1 key matchup to keep an eye on in Steelers-Patriots Week 3 clash

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Sep 21, 2025 - 18:00
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1 key matchup to keep an eye on in Steelers-Patriots Week 3 clash

There's one key match-up in a premier AFC game this Sunday that could prove to be a true test of where one team's defense lies as they look to return to the Playoffs this year for the third consecutive season, and could potentially usher in a breakout star for a former dynasty looking to return to the top of the league after recent struggles.

This week, the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) will travel to the New England Patriots (1-1) for an intraconference battle between two organizations that spent much of the 21st century at the top of the AFC but have seen tougher times lately.

The Steelers are seeking a third straight playoff appearance but have bowed out in the Wild Card round during their last two postseason trips –and in order to make it back again and see some different results, they'll need to fix their defense. Despite historically being known for their defensive prowess, the Steelers have given up 789 yards and 63 points in their first two games, marks which are 27th and 28th in the NFL this season.

Meanwhile, New England is looking to return to the postseason this year for the first time since 2021-2022, and a large part of their success this season will be up to second-season quarterback Drake Maye. The third-overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft was highly touted, and while his debut season wasn't bad, it also wasn't the most impressive NFL fans have seen.

He's 49-for-69 passing this season for 517 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception – the flashes of potential have been visible, but he's yet to truly breakout and show that next gear.

This weekend's game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., is a perfect opportunity for Maye to show what he can do. In front of a home crowd against a defense that may be among the worst in the league, this could be the game where Maye truly finds his rhythm and shows Patriots' fans exactly what he can offer the organization.

However, Maye is also a young quarterback, and the team that surrounds him has not exactly looked incredible in recent seasons, which also means this could be an opponent that helps the Steelers find their groove on defense after a rough start to the season and get things back on track on that side of the ball. It'll be a fun match-up to watch this Sunday.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Drake Maye Set For Key Matchup In Steelers-Patriots Showdown

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