Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) passes against the New England Patriots in the second half at Gillette Stadium.
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers can't get anything going against the New England Patriots in Week 2, as the club is down 20-3 about midway through the fourth quarter. It's been a tough game for Aaron Rodgers, who took a hard hit earlier in the contest. He had another blunder early in the fourth that led to another score for New England.
Rodgers dropped back to pass on the 30-yard line, but the Patriots pass rush got in the backfield quickly. The 42-year-old attempted to tuck and run, but defensive tackle Christian Barmore got a paw on it, knocking the ball loose. Elijah Ponder picked it up for New England, who ran it all the way back for a scoop-and-score.
The Patriots have been relentlessly attacking Aaron Rodgers on Sunday. They've brought down the 22-year veteran on four occasions. The late-game fumble was the first of the day, but New England forced another fumble in the fourth quarter after hitting the ball loose out of rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard's hands.
With time ticking, it's hard to imagine the Steelers overcoming a 17-point deficit against the Patriots. Aaron Rodgers and his team will have to regroup for Week 3 and try to bounce back then. Whatever Pittsburgh does, head coach Mike McCarthy has to get things rolling to help out his four-time MVP quarterback.
The Steelers will have a chance to get back in the win column on Sunday, September 27. Pittsburgh is scheduled to take on the Cincinnati Bengals for the second game at home this season.