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

The Pittsburgh Steelers headed to Gillette Stadium to attempt to slay the dragon that was the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots in Week 1. The Steelers hadn’t won in New England since 2008 when they defeated Matt Cassel, not Tom Brady, in a dominating performance.

Would they be able to recreate such a victory in 2019? Or would the Patriots’ domination over the Steelers in Foxboro continue?

The Steelers won the opening coin toss, but elected to kick the ball to Brady and company, deferring their possession to the second half. After the Patriots were only able to get one first down, the Steelers took over, but were only to muster two first downs before sending the ball back to New England.

On New England’s second possession, they wouldn’t be denied. 82 yards, 7 plays and a Julian Edelman pass to James White moved the Patriots into the red-zone. Brady then hit Josh Gordon for the touchdown on the next play to give the Patriots an early 7-0 lead.

Pittsburgh failed to answer the New England touchdown, and when Brady got the football back they were driving at the end of the first quarter.