New England Patriots-Pittsburgh Steelers Notebook: Bailey Zappe to Hunter Henry Winning Connection!

New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe connected with tight end Hunter Henry for two scores in their Week 14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football.

The New England Patriots returned to the win column for the first time since Week 7 with a 21-18 defeat of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on Thursday night.

Having totaled 13 points in its previous three games, New England exceeded that total in the first half with three scoring strikes from second-year quarterback Bailey Zappe — including their first opening drive touchdown of the season.  

The Pats were able to find their offensive rhythm despite being without the services of lead running back Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle), as well as receivers Demario Douglas (concussion), Kayshon Boutte (shoulder) and DeVante Parker (knee.) On defense, New England was able to make enough plays to keep the Steelers from completing their attempted comeback. 

While a dominant first-half for the Patriots eventually regressed into a rough terrain leading up to the game’s final moments, the win brings the Patriots to 3-10 on the season. 

Zappe Calm, Cool and Collected

Despite entering Week 14 on the heels of a 6-0 shutout loss to the Los Angeles Chargers just five days earlier, Zappe exuded a cool confidence throughout the game that clearly made an impression on his teammates. The 24-year-old demonstrated significant improvement in making his reads, as well as his decision-making. He opened the game by driving the Pats 75 yards on eight plays, capping the series with an 11-yard touchdown pass in the flat to running back Ezekeil Elliott. Zappe followed up his opening drive performance by finding team captain Hunter Henry for a pair of second-quarter scores — for eight and 24 yards respectively. Not only did he set his new career-high in touchdown passes, he also became the first Patriots player with three touchdowns in the first half since Tom Brady did so against the New York Jets in Dec. 2018.

When faced with a greater amount of pressure in the second half, Zappe sputtered a bit. Steelers linebacker Mykal Walker picked off a crosser deflected by linebacker Elandon Roberts in the closing seconds of the third quarter. He also fell victim to a pair of sacks. Still, Zappe’s demeanor, poise and prowess were enough to provide the Patriots with their best offensive performance since Week 7. 

Happy Birthday Hunter

Tight end Hunter Henry celebrated his 29th birthday by catching three passes for 40 yards, two of which went for touchdowns. In addition to earning his third multiple-score game as a member of the Patriots, he also became the first Patriots player to score a touchdown on his birthday since running back Dion Lewis found the end zone on his 25th birthday — a Sept. 27, 2015 meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) celebrates his touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Zeke Keeps the Running Game Going

In the wake of losing Stevenson to a high-ankle sprain — an injury which is expected to keep him out of action for “a few weeks” — the Pats needed Ezekiel Elliott to adequately fill the cleats of their lead back. Elliott did so admirably by earning 68 rushing yards on 22 attempts. He also logged 72 receiving yards and the aforementioned 11-yard touchdown over the right pylon on the Pats first offensive series. Overall, Elliott played 52 offensive snaps while collecting 140 scrimmage yards on 29 touches. The former Dallas Cowboys All Pro has been a solid contributor throughout the season — with this Week 14 performance ranking among his best in a Pats uniform. 

Peppers, Jennings Stand Out on Defense

In spite of some second-half coverage malfunctions, New England’s defense once again performed well against Pittsburgh. Safety Jabrill Peppers continued to make his case as the team’s top defender by intercepting Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky in the second quarter. Peppers returned the pick 32 yards to the Pittsburgh 27-yard line. The turnover helped set up Bailey Zappe’s eight-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Henry. Peppers also broke up a pass, while combining on three additional tackles. 

Linebacker Anfernee Jennings also showcased his talents on the edge by stifling Steelers TE Darnell Washington on more than one occasion for much of the night. The Alabama product finished the night having logged four tackles (three of which went for loss) while providing great run defense on the edge.

Patriots Survive Steelers' Rally For Upset Win

Special Teams Nearly Sinks Solid Effort

Holding a 21-10 lead as they headed into the fourth quarter, the Pats experienced a downward reversal of fortune — thanks in part to a special teams breakdown. On fourth-and-2 from the New England 15 yard-line with 13:23 remaining in the game, Steelers special teamer Miles Killebrew easily bypassed Ty Montgomery en route to blocking a punt attempt by rookie Bryce Baringer. 

With the block having moved Pittsburgh back only 11 yards, the Steelers offense took the field for a four-play, 26-yard drive. Trubisky was credited for the one-yard touchdown, which also included a two-point conversion to tight end Pat Freiermuth. Despite hangin on for the 21-18 victory, the eight-yard swing of the pendulum nearly derailed an overall solid performance from the Pats. 

Incidentally, safety Kyle Dugger was in on the punt protection team in place of Montgomery on the ensuing series.

Up Next:

The Pats will enjoy a bit of an extended break before turning their attention to the Kansas City Chiefs and a matchup on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. from Gillette Stadium. 

---