Hunter Henry Second TD Gives New England Patriots Big Lead Over Steelers; Pittsburgh Answers, 21-10

The New England Patriots offense has come alive in the Steel City during their Week 14 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The question currently being asked in rooms across Patriots Nation is: "Who are these guys, and what have they done with the 2-10 New England Patriots?"

Quarterback Bailey Zappe has found his rhythm, leading the Pats on a four-play, 59-yard drive for the team's third touchdown drive of the first half. Zappe first connected with receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on a 28-yard reception. The Western Kentucky product then found tight end Hunter Henry for their second scoring connection of the night; a 24-yard scoring strike to give the Pats a 21-3 lead. 

Zappe to the TE for a second time on TNF!@baileyzappe04 | @Hunter_Henry84

📺: #NEvsPIT on @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/uRhLWtWcn2

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

New England's offensive outburst comes just four days after being shut out at home against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, Pittsburgh refuses to go quietly into the early December night. Quarterback Mitch Trubisky led his team eight plays for 75-yards, capping the drive with a pass to the deep left to receiver Diontae Johnson for 25 yards, cutting New England's lead to 21-10.

New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) looks for a receiver against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA

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.

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.