As the New England Patriots prepare to host the Pittsburgh Steelers in their home opener on September 20, 2026, the team is still searching for its first win of the season after a Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The defense, widely regarded as one of the NFL's elite units, has a glaring weakness: creating turnovers. In 2025, the Patriots ranked 19th in takeaways with 19, and in the season opener, they failed to record a single interception or fumble recovery while throwing three picks on offense. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr and his players are determined to flip the script.
Emphasis on Takeaways
“We focus on it like crazy,” Kuhr said. “It’s about the opportunity. Capitalizing on opportunity is the biggest thing on takeaways. And the way you do that is you get more attempts.” Free agent acquisition Kevin Byard, who led the NFL with seven interceptions last season, echoed that sentiment but stressed the importance of discipline within the scheme. “You can’t chase plays,” Byard explained. “We have to stay true to the defense, stay true within the scheme. But for us, it’s going to be more about trying to get those attempts at the ball.” Byard pointed to a missed opportunity in Week 1 when Steelers running back Jaylen Warren fumbled, but the Patriots failed to recover. “Those are the things that we can probably take to the next step as a defense. I think interceptions will come. Those things come in bunches.”
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez, a Pro Bowler, nearly had an interception against Seattle but dropped a Drew Lock pass that landed in his hands. “It just comes down to communication,” Gonzalez said. “Getting us in the right spot and then capitalizing and making the play.” The Patriots' 10 interceptions last season ranked 18th, while their nine fumble recoveries ranked 10th. Improving in both areas is critical, especially with a tough Steelers offense led by Aaron Rodgers coming to town.
Home Opener Woes
Gillette Stadium has not been kind to the Patriots in recent home openers. Between 2021 and 2025, the team lost all five of its first home games, including a 20-13 defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025. The last home-opening victory came in 2020 when Cam Newton led the team to a 21-11 win over the Miami Dolphins. As highlighted on Vulius, breaking this streak is a priority for a team looking to avoid an 0-2 start.
Adjusting Without Carlton Davis
The Patriots will be without starting cornerback Carlton Davis, who was ruled out with a neck injury. In his absence, Marcus Jones and Charles Woods will see increased snaps. “Both guys have quality reps outside and inside,” cornerbacks coach Justin Hamilton said. “That’s valuable from training camp and through the past.” Their versatility will be tested against a Steelers receiving corps that features size and speed.
Rodgers vs. Smith: A Draft Class Connection
Two members of the 2005 draft class will be on opposite sidelines: Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Patriots outside linebackers coach Mike Smith. Rodgers, the 24th overall pick, will make his 280th career start, while Smith, selected 234th overall, played just four seasons. “It blows my mind,” Smith said. “Aaron Rodgers is still playing. That’s just credit to him.” Head coach Mike Vrabel added, “One guy had a better career than the other guy. He’s a Hall of Fame player.”
Gabe Jacas’ Growth
Rookie edge rusher Gabe Jacas had a slow start due to injury and contract negotiations, but he flashed in Week 1 with a sack and a tackle for loss in just 19 snaps. “I saw growth and that’s what’s most important,” Kuhr said. “He played hard, physical, and fast. We just have to clean up some details.” Smith added, “Things are starting to slow down for him. This is the player we expected to see.”
Big Nickel and Pass Lane Disruption
Defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr has incorporated more big nickel packages with three safeties, using it on 40% of snaps in Week 1. “It gives you versatility,” Kuhr explained. “It helps to have that extra second-level defender.” On offense, quarterback Drake Maye will need to navigate the Steelers’ tall defensive line, including T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward. “They’re going to try to get their hands up,” Maye said. “I think just finding good passing lanes and moving around the pocket.”
Injury Settlements and Henderson Support
The Patriots have released six players with injury settlements, but only three received compensation: Andrew Rupcich ($94,167), Isaiah Iton ($28,611), and Eric Butler ($143,506). All six could theoretically return. Meanwhile, running back TreVeyon Henderson faced social media scrutiny for the second time in six months, but Vrabel defended him: “He’s handled it maturely. TreVeyon is a special person, a great teammate.”
As the Patriots aim to avoid an 0-2 start, the spotlight will be on their defense to create turnovers and for Maye to manage the Steelers’ pressure. For all your Patriots coverage and official merchandise, stay tuned to Vulius.
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