WATCH: Jabrill Peppers INT, Bailey Zappe TD Gives New England Patriots 14-3 Lead Over Pittsburgh Steelers

The New England Patriots are finding their rhythm on offense, thanks to a heads-up play on defense, in their Week 14 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The New England Patriots are singing the chorus of "Zappe Days are Here Again" in Pittsburgh, PA. -- while adding a bit of "peppery" spice to their Thursday evening dish. 

While holding a 7-3 lead in their Week 14 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium, safety Jabrill Peppers stepped in front of a pass from Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky over the deep middle intended for tight end Pat Freiermuth. Peppers returned the interception to the Pittsburgh 11-yard line. 

🌶️ bringing the 🔥@JabrillPeppers | #ForeverNE

📺: #NEvsPIT on @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/kOqcDOfcRM

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 8, 2023

With optimal field position, quarterback Bailey Zappe led his team 11 yards on just two plays, by finding tight end Hunter Henry for the eight-yard touchdown pass. 

A TD for the birthday boy 🎉@Hunter_Henry84 | #ForeverNE

📺: #NEvsPIT on @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/IyWj4dhZLT

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 8, 2023

This Week 14 matchup marks the second straight meeting between the two teams in as many seasons. Last year, the Patriots played at Pittsburgh in Week 2 and came away with a 17-14 victory. The Pats enter this matchup on the heels of a 6-0 Week 13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The Steelers are also hoping to return to their winning ways after a 24-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pats are without the services of lead running back Rhamondre Stevenson due to an ankle injury he suffered during New England’s Week 13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. In addition, receivers Demario Douglas (concussion), Kayshon Boutte (shoulder) and DeVante Parker (knee) are also inactive.

Patriots' Plan vs. Steelers Without Rhamondre?

The Pats elevated quarterback Malik Cunningham and running back Kevin Harris from their practice squad. Cunningham may be in line to see situational snaps against a Steelers defense known for its stifling pass rush led by linebacker T.J. Watt. He is expected to act as the primary backup to starter Bailey Zappe, with Mac Jones relegated to third on the depth chart for this game. For Harris, this will be his first elevation from the scout team this season. He is expected to help lessen the workload of lead running back Elliott. 

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