UNCONVENTIONAL REVIEW: The one true satisfaction to come out of the much-needed win was the performance of the defense, writes Chad Finn.
SPUTTERING PERFORMANCE: Maye once again looked less like last year’s MVP runner-up and more like a young quarterback struggling to find his footing in the NFL. Ben Volin focuses on the struggles of the offense.
COSTLY WIN: Right guard Mike Onwenu was carted off the field with a serious right ankle injury, and edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones stormed off the field with a shoulder injury. The Patriots also ruled out tight end Eli Raridon (thigh) in addition to safeties Dell Pettus (ankle) and Craig Woodson (shoulder). Nicole Yang has more on the banged up bunch.
GROUND AND POUND: New England got a boost from its backfield. Fullback Reggie Gilliam helped clear a path for Rhamondre Stevenson (six carries, 43 yards) and TreVeyon Henderson (16 carries, 76 yards, one touchdown) in the win. Christopher Price has more from the Patriots locker room.
BOUNCING BACK: After struggling in Week 1, Romeo Doubs stepped up, catching three of four targets for a career-high 96 yards in his Gillette Stadium debut. Cam Kerry has more on the wide receiver's performance.
INSTANT ANALYSIS: The Patriots should have won in a blowout, but played sloppy, uninspiring football and let the Steelers hang around way too long. Ben Volin believes an opponent with better weapons and a more dynamic quarterback would have crushed the Patriots.
AS IT HAPPENED: As is the case each week, the Globe provided live updates throughout Sunday's win. Here's how Sunday's game unfolded.
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