Steelers vs. Patriots, Week 15: 1st quarter in-game update

When: Week 15

Location: Heinz Field

Opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots

Sound familiar? It should, because it is the same location and week the two teams battled it out in controversial fashion in 2017 with the game ending in the Jesse James overruled catch, followed by a Ben Roethlisberger interception to give the Patriots the win.

Would 2018 be different? The two teams are hardly battling for the same thing this time around. The Patriots, who have all but sealed up another AFC East division crown, are attempting to get another first round bye in the AFC Playoffs. But the Steelers, losers of their last three games, are clinging to a tiny lead in the division and their playoff hopes fading fast.

The Patriots lost the coin toss, and the Steelers elected to take the football to start the game. What transpired next was an impressive drive taking over 6-minutes off the clock, driven by Jaylen Samuels’ running and catching, as Roethlisberger capped off the drive with a strike to Vance McDonald from the 5-yard line.

Chris Boswell’s point-after was good, giving Pittsburgh a 7-0 lead.

It didn’t take long for Tom Brady to respond. In fact, after an initial first down New England caught the Steelers’ defense in a coverage gaffe and Brady’s pass to Chris Hogan went for 63 yards and tie the game 7-7.

After both teams punted for the first time, the Steelers had the ball and were driving.