Best Of Social Media: Week 2 Patriots vs Steelers

It was far from easy, as are many games in the NFL, but the New England Patriots left Pittsburgh with their first win of the 2022 season by a final score of 17-14 over the Steelers. The contest between both rivals marked the first time since 1998 that neither Tom Brady nor Ben Roethlisberger was making a start at quarterback.

On offense, quarterback Mac Jones completed 21/35 passes for 252 yards with one touchdown and interception. Although not his sharpest performance, all it took was one big throw to Nelson Agholor just before the half that put the Patriots in the driver’s seat for the rest of the game. Agholor leaped over a defender to haul in a 44-yard touchdown pass that put the Patriots ahead 10-7.

Throughout the afternoon, Agolor put together his best performance as a Patriot, recording six receptions for a team-high 110 yards, his first 100-yard game in New England. Jakobi Meyers also had a productive day, leading the team in receptions with nine for 95 yards.
In the rushing game, Damien Harris led all backs with 15 carries for 71 yards and a touchdown. Rhamondre Stephenson chipped in with nine carries for 47 yards.

As for the Patriots’ defense, Christian Barmore, Matthew Judon, and Jahlani Tavai recorded sacks as cornerback Jalen Mills recorded his first interception as a Patriot.

The turning point in the game occurred on special teams when rookie Brenden Schooler recovered a muffed punt by former Patriot Gunner Olszewski leading to the Harris touchdown.

“I didn’t even really get hit,” Jones said after the game about the performance of his offensive line. “So hats off to them.”

As for the overall job by the team, Jones complemented his coaches for preparation but acknowledged the offense still has work to do.

“Really did a good job cleaning everything up, and we just have to execute better and we’ll have even more points and it won’t be as close of a game,” Jones said. “That’s the big thing, put more points on the board and continue to grow.”

“I think the coaching staff did a great job with preparing us throughout the week. Obviously like you said, they put really good stuff on film. It’s a really good defense. And we just went out there and competed the best we could.”

You can check out all the best social media moments from the Patriots’ 17-14 win below.

Mac Jones leads the #Patriots out to a chorus of boos. He seemed to feed off it. pic.twitter.com/l08ajy1oLX

— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) September 18, 2022

One mindset.#NEvsPIT | #ForeverNE pic.twitter.com/QZfGaWCzKf

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 18, 2022

@jkbmyrs5 mr.3rd down!

— Dont'a Hightower (@zeus30hightower) September 18, 2022

Nick Folk's 28-yard field goal is his 56th straight in the regular season from less than 50 yards, tying the NFL record (Ryan Succop, Tennessee, 2014-2017).

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 18, 2022

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1571553047867695105?s=20&t=2yIVPtrTslXGFPabztTJWQ

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1571564800504729601?s=20&t=2yIVPtrTslXGFPabztTJWQ

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1571569015167881217?s=20&t=2yIVPtrTslXGFPabztTJWQ

From @ESPNStatsInfo: Mac Jones' 44-yd TD pass to Nelson Agholor had a completion probability of 26.2%, the third-lowest completion probability on a Jones TD in his career.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 18, 2022

From @ESPNStatsInfo: 2nd-longest TD pass of Mac Jones' career. He had a 75-yarder to Kendrick Bourne last season.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 18, 2022

PHOTO: Nelson Agholor elevates and comes up with a 44yd touchdown reception during New England's win over the Steelers on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/hgT1G9Y8fo

— PatsFans.com (@PatsFans) September 18, 2022

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1571575236981579779?s=20&t=2yIVPtrTslXGFPabztTJWQ

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1571578421456560128?s=20&t=2yIVPtrTslXGFPabztTJWQ

No respect for Schooler on that muffed punt pic.twitter.com/zdorTN4QUC

— Jim Louth (@JimLouth) September 18, 2022

Damien Harris for six! #Patriots #ForeverNE https://t.co/cHwq2ZRjxL

— PatsPropaganda (@PatsPropaganda) September 18, 2022

Nelson Agholor went over 100 yards for the game on the Patriots' last drive. He's the first Patriots WR to cross that mark in over a year. Jakobi Meyers was the last to do it, in Week 15 against Miami in 2020.

That also makes him the first 100-yard receiver in Mac Jones' career.

— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) September 18, 2022

https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS/status/1571609726978334721?s=20&t=2yIVPtrTslXGFPabztTJWQ

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1571614792216969217?s=20&t=2yIVPtrTslXGFPabztTJWQ

Bill Belichick was on his way to shake Mike Tomlin’s hand, but happily stopped to congratulate his QB.

CBS broadcast, as usual, captures the moment. pic.twitter.com/lrW42BW6xZ

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 19, 2022

Game 500 is a win. pic.twitter.com/eExYJonIDa

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 18, 2022

https://twitter.com/_Uche35/status/1571644954736267264?s=20&t=2yIVPtrTslXGFPabztTJWQ

https://twitter.com/DHx34/status/1571651469564051457?s=20&t=2yIVPtrTslXGFPabztTJWQ

W for the good guys.

— JB (@NVBentley33) September 19, 2022

“Good fundamentals and good execution, we put that on display and we were able to close out the game.”

Patriots players on the first win of the season. pic.twitter.com/lkNdFczDR7

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 19, 2022

This was an underrated moment to reflect on Patriots greatness today, with Bruce Armstrong picking up the penalty 22 years after he last played a snap (and had his number retired). pic.twitter.com/6Lew5PkEYr

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 19, 2022