FINAL: Patriots 21, Steelers 18 - New England (INT, punt blocked) hangs on in second half

I have no idea how that game wound up the way it did.

Bailey Zappe and the Pats offense had a great first half. Seemed like the Steelers played a lot more close man coverage in the second and struggled.

But holy hell Mitch Trubisky is horrible, and Mike Tomlin was horrible as well.

I believe the Patriots should have won by 30, and I'm equally surprised they hung on.

I don't know ... this season.

___________________

Regular season Game #13: Patriots (2-10) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5), 8:15 p.m. 
Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh.
TV: Prime Video/Fox-25. Al Michaels (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (color), Kaylee Hartung (sidelines).
Radio: 98.5-FM The SportsHub in Boston. **Bedard will be on the postgame show approximately one hour after the game.**
Online: Live Box | Patriots media notes | Steelers media notes | Flipcard
FanDuel Latest Line: Steelers -6, o/u 30.5
AccuWeather forecast: Cool, comfortable, low winds.

ROSTER MOVES/UPDATES

Patriots

• 4 p.m. was the deadline, but nothing has been announced yet but QB Malik Cunningham and RB Kevin Harris were elevated. 
• Patriots claimed Eagles LB Christian Elliss, who was released after his first start to make room for Shaq Leonard. Elliss led the Eagles with 76% of special teams snaps. Shocking, I know. 

Steelers

• Elevated LB Kyron Johnson from the practice squad

INJURY REPORT

STATS

THINGS TO WATCH AND GAME PICK

Block OLBs TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith: Both are excellent. The Patriots' tackles were atrocious against the Chargers on Sunday. It was a definite surprise that Mike Onwneu had one of his worst games ever. If that happens again, Bailey Zappe could get stuffed in a locker. The Patriots aren't usually that bad.

Cole Strange vs. Cam Heyward: The RG played well against the Chargers' undersized tackles, which is in his wheelhouse. Heyward is the type of matchup Strange has struggled with as a young player.

Run the ball: Not having Rhamondre Stevenson isn't great, but Ezekiel Elliott has run really well this season. The Patriots are going to need the run game to set up the playaction game. Old friend Elandon Roberts is dealing with a groin injury and the Steelers are thin at ILB.

Limit the RB/QB run game: Mitch Trubisky is a good runner and could do some damage there. The Steelers don't block very well, especially at tackle. Make Trubisky have to win from the pocket.

Bedard's Pick

Fanduel Odds: Chargers -5.5, o/u 39.5

Bedard's 2023 record: 6-6 overall, 6-6 vs. spread.

I'm done picking the Patriots. At this point, the matchups don't really matter. Schemes don't really matter. This is about the Patriots. Can they execute in all three phases on a consistent basis? I have no freaking clue. They have no clue. To this point, it's a no. I did place a parlay on both teams scoring defensive touchdowns.

Steelers 13, Patriots 9.