New England Patriots Bailey Zappe, Mike Onwenu Among 3 to Watch vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

As the New England Patriots prepare to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14, Patriots Country highlights three players on whom Pats fans might want to watch.

The New England Patriots will attempt to return to the win column for the first time since Week 7 on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. at Acrisure Stadium.

This Week 14 matchup will mark 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.

Though many Patriots players are expected to garner some attention during Thursday night’s matchup, here are three players that might raise an eyebrow when the Pats take the field against the Steelers.

Bailey Zappe

When making his first start of the season, Zappe was unable to provide a much-needed offensive spark, thus leading the Pats to a scoreless effort against the Bolts. Though he turned in a few noteworthy throws — the best of which came on a 21-yard completion to Parker on a third-quarter second-and-5 — his struggles with accuracy doomed the Pats progress on more than one occasion. He finished the contest having completed 13 of 25 passes for 141 yards and no touchdowns while rushing four times for 16 yards.

Overall, Zappe exhibited greater downfield vision and better protection of the football than his predecessor Mac Jones. However, the 24-year-old’s tendency to hold on to the ball led to his taking five sacks, including back-to-back takedowns in the fourth quarter, which knocked New England out of field goal range.

Ultimately, Zappe’s performance was sufficient enough to warrant his place as New England’s starter for at least one more week. As such, the Pats offensive coaching staff must find a way to accentuate the positive. In what will be his second start of the season (and fourth of his career,) the Patriots are hoping that the Western Kentucky product has improved his precision and recognition of his reads against an aggressive Pittsburgh defense.

New England Patriots QB Bailey Zappe leads the Pats huddle in Week 13 :: Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images

Mike Onwenu

While his reassignment to the right tackle position has been one of the offensive line's few bright spots this season, Onwenu may have played his worst game of the season last week against the Chargers. The 6-3, 350-pound lineman allowed five quarterback pressures and a sack when matched with L.A.'s alpha pass-rusher Khalil Mack. Suffice it to say, Onwenu must be markedly better on Thursday night to keep Zappe comfortable at the quarterback position. 

When he is at his best, the Michigan product is a massive lineman with excellent length who demonstrates a consistent and impressive ability to overwhelm defenders when blocking for the run, while anchoring well to protecting the passer. Onwenu will have his hands full this week with Pittsburgh's T.J. Watt — and perhaps Alex Highsmith. The pass-rushing tandem has combined for 20 sacks, 14 of which Watt is responsible. Despite dealing with a minor ankle injury suffered during the Cardinals' loss, the former Defensive Player of the Year has been a full practice participant and will present a daunting challenge for the Pats top offensive tackle. 

Jealous Rant? Normally Tight-Lipped Patriots' Belichick Praises Steelers' T.J. Watt For 5 Minutes

Christian Barmore

Following a slow start to the season, Barmore has been one of the Pats’ top defenders in recent weeks. The Alabama product enters this matchup having logged 30 total tackles, 12 quarterback pressures, seven tackles-for-loss, six pass breakups and four sacks. Accordingly, Barmore is expected to see action in both run and pass defense packages on Thursday night, if healthy and active — as he is currently listed as questionable with a shoulder injury. 

Barmore’s ability to push the pocket and take a stand against the run keeps him among the team’s premier defenders. He plays with good leverage and is strong enough to take on double-teams. He locates the ball quickly, chases with good effort and has excellent range for his size. Barmore has also demonstrated quick hands, which has made him effective in both stuffing the run and challenging the passer. If New England is to find success against the Steelers' offense, Barmore will need to at least equal, if not eclipse, his recent performance along the defensive line. 

---