Henderson and Patriots defense overpower Steelers in 20-3 home win

TreVeyon Henderson returned to New England’s lineup with a 39-yard touchdown run, and the Patriots’ defense kept Pittsburgh out of the end zone in a 20-3 victory Sunday at Gillette Stadium.

Henderson ran for 76 yards on 16 carries in his season debut. The Patriots improved to 1-1 by repeatedly putting Aaron Rodgers under pressure, then producing the defensive touchdown that extended their lead in the fourth quarter.

Christian Barmore’s strip-sack created that score. Elijah Ponder recovered the loose ball and returned it 19 yards, extending New England’s lead from 13-3 to 20-3. Rodgers was sacked four times overall and finished with 187 passing yards, no touchdowns and an interception.

An early mistake does not become a deficit

New England’s opening offensive possession ended with Nick Herbig forcing a Rhamondre Stevenson fumble. Pittsburgh recovered it, but the Steelers could not turn the takeaway into points. A taunting penalty moved their starting position backward, and the drive ended with a punt.

Marcus Jones’ 19-yard return gave New England useful field position. Henderson entered the backfield, and three plays later his touchdown run supplied the first points. That sequence established the pattern: Pittsburgh’s defense created chances, but its offense struggled to use them.

Drake Maye completed 14 of 22 passes for 208 yards and an interception. Romeo Doubs provided the largest gain, a 63-yard reception in the third quarter that helped set up Andy Borregales’ second field goal. Doubs finished with three catches for 96 yards after going without a reception in the opener.

The Patriots did not need Maye to throw a touchdown. They combined Henderson’s run, two field goals and Ponder’s return with a defense that made Pittsburgh work for small gains and prevented a late response.

Jacas closes another opening

The Steelers reached the New England 17 with less than five minutes remaining, but a pass intended for Germie Bernard was bobbled and intercepted by Gabe Jacas. The rookie’s takeaway ended another scoring opportunity and preserved the Patriots’ three-point defensive performance.

DK Metcalf caught four passes for 27 yards as New England limited Pittsburgh’s receiving threats. Jaylen Warren led the Steelers on the ground with 43 yards on 11 carries. Pittsburgh forced two turnovers of its own and sacked Maye three times, including 1.5 sacks credited to T.J. Watt, but could not turn that defensive work into an offensive answer.

The victory also brought injury concerns. Patriots guard Mike Onwenu left with an ankle injury, while several other New England defenders exited during the game. Pittsburgh running back Rico Dowdle left with a toe issue. Those developments need follow-up before either team’s next game; Sunday’s reports do not establish recovery timelines.

For New England, the immediate result was a home win built around a returning running back and a defense that finished possessions. Pittsburgh is also 1-1 after failing to convert either its takeaways or its late field position into touchdowns.