New England Patriots-Pittsburgh Steelers Snaps & Grades: Zappe Days Are Here Again?

Patriots Country breaks down the numbers and implications behind the Pats’ playing time in New England’s Week 13 victory the Pittsburgh Steelers.

As the New England Patriots prepare to move forward from their 21-18 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14, they continue to take stock into their performance on both sides of the ball.

Despite earning only their third victory of the season, there are plenty of areas in which the Patriots will seek improvement. While game-film analysis will be the main focus, a look at playing time may assist the Pats in helping to devise effective strategies moving forward.

Here is a look at the Patriots offensive and defensive snap counts from Thursday’s win, along with a grade for each positional group.

OFFENSE

On offense, the Pats overall snap count was 57 versus the Steelers.

NFL Game Summary: New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 7 Dec. 2023 - Offense Snaps / NFL Copyright © 2023 by The National Football League

QUARTERBACK

In his second start of the season, Bailey Zappe 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. While Zappe’s performance was not perfect — as evidenced by a handful of questionable throws and one second-half interception — he did more than enough to earn the starting job for the remainder of the season. 

Grade: B

RUNNING BACKS

In the wake of losing Rhamondre 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 veteran back was a key reason for the Pats offensive resurgence in Week 14. 

Grade: A-

RECEIVERS

Despite being without veteran DeVante Parker and rookies Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, the Pats receiving corps was expected to be at a disadvantage. However, they were kept afloat by former Steeler JuJu Smith-Schuster. The veteran wideout finished with a season-high 90 yards on four catches, highlighted by 37-yard connection with Zappe on the Pats opening-drive touchdown. Smith-Schuster finished the game with four catches for 90-yards — his best output of the season. 

Grade: B

TIGHT ENDS

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 in 2015. Pharaoh Brown aligned mostly as a blocker on 28 snaps, while catching one pass for four yards. 

Grade: A

OFFENSIVE LINE

Following a dismal showing against the Chargers just five days earlier, the Pats o-line rebounded to keep Bailey Zappe comfortable in the pocket, while providing time when he was on the move. Left tackle Cole Strange, center David Andrews, right guard Sidy Sow and right tackle Mike Onwenu went the distance by aligning on all 57 snaps. Conor McDermott got the starting nod at left tackle with Trent Brown take the majority of the snaps (34) at the position. Overall, the line yielded only two sacks of Zappe, while providing stout run blocking for Elliott. 

Grade: B-

New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) chases during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. New England won 21-18 / Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSE

On defense, the Pats overall snap count was 70 versus the Steelers.

NFL Game Summary: New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 7 Dec. 2023 - Defense Snaps / NFL Copyright © 2023 by The National Football League

DEFENSIVE LINE

While most of the Patriots positional groups have struggled for much of the season, New England’s defensive line — particularly their run defense — has been among the best in the NFL. The D-line allowed only 2.9 yards-per-carry, without surrendering a single conversion to a Steelers running back. The line was led by Christian Barmore who registered one sack and three pressures, with Davon Godchaux contributing two run-stuffs and one pressure. Keion White, Deatrich Wise Jr. and Lawrence Guy each played notable roles in both run and pass defense. 

Grade: A

LINEBACKERS

New England’s linebackers were equally as productive, thanks in part to a stellar performance from Anfernee Jennings. The Alabama product finished the night having logged four tackles (three of which went for loss) while providing great run defense on the edge. Jahlani Tavai added a run stuff and 15 total tackles, while team captain Ja’Whaun Bentley added a quarterback hit and seven tackles of his own.

Grade: A

CORNERBACKS

Though many of Pittsburgh’s passing-game woes have been credited to maligned quarterback Mitch Trubisky, New England’s cornerbacks contributed to making his night even more difficult. Veteran Jonathan Jones earned six total tackles, while breaking-up a fade in the fourth quarter of the Steelers penultimate drive of the game. Myles Bryant had a key first-half pass break-up, while J.C. Jackson logged a tackle. 

Grade: B

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SAFETIES

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. Kyle Dugger, who [like Peppers] played on all 71 snaps, logged seven total tackles, one pass break-up and a half-sack.

Grade: B+

Special Teams

In spite of their first solid showing on both sides of the ball since their Week 7 victory over the Buffalo Bills, the Pats third phase could not make it a trifecta of solid performances against the Steelers. 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. Emotions also got the better of special teams stalwart Brendan Schooler, who was flagged for a personal foul. In total. New England’s special teams appears headed for a much-needed overhaul in the offseason. 

Grade: D 

Up Next:

After a bit of an extended break, the Patriots will now their attention to the Kansas City Chiefs and a matchup on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. from Gillette Stadium.