FOXBORO — Don’t blame the Patriots’ protection for Sunday’s loss to the Steelers.
After permitting two fast touchdowns to start the sport, the protection saved the Patriots within the recreation for the remaining 43 minutes of the competition.
Credit score coaches for figuring out two points early within the recreation by benching linebacker Christian Elliss and cornerback Alex Austin after the Steelers’ preliminary scoring drives.
Elliss, whose tackling points continued from final week’s win over the Dolphins, was changed by veteran linebacker Jack Gibbens.
“Anytime I acquired a possibility to assist the group, I’m gonna do it,” Gibbens mentioned after the sport. Any probability I get to get on the sphere, enthusiastic about it.”
Gibbens completed the sport with one deal with whereas taking part in subsequent to linebacker Robert Spillane on early downs. Marte Mapu remained the Patriots’ dime linebacker after Elliss was benched.
Austin, who had a tricky recreation in Week 2, as effectively, was penalized for defensive cross interference and defensive holding within the first two drives of the sport. He was changed by cornerback Charles Woods, who was claimed off waivers from the Rams at cutdowns.
Woods additionally registered one deal with.
“It was thrilling, simply being prepared when the chance acquired known as,” Woods mentioned. “So, it was very thrilling. Go on the market and play with the blokes. We simply acquired to execute higher fundamentals and method and clearly get a win.”
The unit didn’t permit one other first down for 5 straight drives. They compelled 4 straight three-and-outs and 4 punts with an interception however did permit a late rating after the offense had turned over the ball for the fifth time. The offense had one final probability to tie the sport however turned the ball over on downs to shut out the competition.
