Breaking down the snap counts from Sunday’s Patriots-Steelers game …
1. Rookie edge rusher Gabe Jacas played 49 snaps (70 percent of the defense’s total) — a significant jump from Week 1, when he played 19 (38 percent).
The increase in playing time was in part because of Dre’Mont Jones suffering a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the second half. But Jacas looked as though he belonged.
To continue reading, please login or subscribe to Globe.com
In the fourth quarter, with the Steelers driving, the ball popped out of wide receiver Germie Bernard’s arms as cornerback Charles Woods made the tackle. Jacas grabbed the ball and ran 11 yards before getting taken down by Aaron Rodgers.
The play sealed the game for the Patriots and capped another impressive showing. After registering a sack in Week 1, he continued to make his presence known with his tenacious, physical style. In addition to his tip-drill pick, Jacas pressured Rodgers for a quarterback hit in the first quarter and chased him down on a scramble in the second.
Get Point After
Get exclusive analysis and insight on the Patriots and the NFL, delivered to your inbox on weekdays during the season.
Enter Email
Sign Up
Related
Patriots get the win, but it came at a heavy cost as injuries continue to pile upRhamondre Stevenson was a focal point in the offense, and other snap count observations from the Patriots’ season opener
After the game, Rodgers told Jacas, “Great [expletive] job, man.”
According to Jacas, the two also engaged in a fun back-and-forth during the game. He said at one point Rodgers told him, “You just keep trying to take my head off.”
WE WILL TAKE THAT PLS @Gabeosama
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/5P4FINRIhk
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 20, 2026
If Jones misses time, Jacas will step into a starting role alongside Elijah Ponder. Seventh-round pick Quintayvious Hutchins, who played 16 defensive snaps on Sunday after zero in Week 1, will rotate in. Undrafted rookie Xavier Holmes is available off the practice squad.
Edge rusher was one of New England’s thinnest positions entering the season, so the emergence of Jacas is welcomed. As the Patriots start to face tougher offenses (e.g. Jaguars in Week 3, Bills in Week 4), though, he will be tested.
“He cares an extreme amount,” coach Mike Vrabel said. “The thing about Gabe is that he can work through mistakes. I think that’s really critical for any young player trying to improve is — you have to be willing to make new mistakes, be OK with that, and be able to be coached.”
2. In his season debut, running back TreVeyon Henderson out-snapped Rhamondre Stevenson, 33-20. He also out-carried Stevenson, 16-6.
The split was likely influenced by Stevenson’s fumble on the opening possession. Stevenson started the game, and he should have maintained the lead-back role, but his ball-security issues prompted the coaching staff to make a change. Stevenson’s 20 snaps were his fewest since December 2023.
Henderson flashed his burst and speed in the first quarter with one of his signature explosive plays, this time a 39-yard touchdown. But he still needs to establish better consistency. On all other plays, Henderson averaged 2.47 yards per carry.
.@TreVeyonH4 took off.. WOW 🤯
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/9kHGL49Bcv
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 20, 2026
Moving forward, the Patriots should probably rely on a 1-2 punch involving both players. Stevenson will continue to maintain an important role as a pass catcher and pass protector, so it will be worth watching how the staff chooses to divide the carries.
Related: Patriots’ run game boosts a lackluster offense in win over Steelers
3. The Patriots lost several players to injuries on Sunday.
The aforementioned Jones, who played 42 snaps in Week 1, played just 18 before exiting with a shoulder injury. Rookie tight end Eli Raridon, who played 38 offensive snaps in Week 1, played just 11 before getting ruled out with a thigh injury. Safety Dell Pettus, who played 20 defensive snaps in Week 1, suffered an ankle injury on one of his eight special teams snaps and did not play on defense.
Right guard Mike Onwenu, who played 100 percent of the offense’s snaps in Week 1, played all 15 before getting carted off the field with a broken right ankle. Safety Craig Woodson, who played 100 percent of the defense’s snaps in Week 1, played 46 snaps before leaving with a shoulder injury.
4. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez played 100 percent of the defense’s snaps for the second straight week. Gonzalez matched up against wide receiver DK Metcalf 34 times, according to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, and held him to three receptions for 11 yards.
“Gonzo wants those challenges,” Vrabel said. “You can see the competitive spirit.”
It was a mad scramble for a loose ball after a fumble by Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (rear), but Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez wasn’t able to recover the loose ball in the second quarter.
It was a mad scramble for a loose ball after a fumble by Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (rear), but Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez wasn’t able to recover the loose ball in the second quarter. Barry Chin/Globe Staff
5. Despite A.J. Brown’s absence, wide receiver Kyle Williams maintained his minor role. He played just 11 snaps (20 percent) and caught one of his two targets for a 10-yard gain on third down. For all the optimism surrounding Williams, there is still limited evidence that he can take on a larger role within the passing attack.
Mack Hollins led all receivers with 39 offensive snaps, followed by Romeo Doubs (37), DeMario Douglas (26), Williams (11), and Efton Chism (10). Doubs led all receivers with three catches for 96 yards, but it didn’t feel as though quarterback Drake Maye had a new go-to guy.
Related: Volin: Where's the Drake Maye we saw last year?
6. Fullback Reggie Gilliam saw an increase in offensive snaps, 13 in Week 1 to 20 in Week 2. The injury to Raridon could have played a factor. Fifteen of Gilliam’s came as a run blocker and five came in the passing game, where he caught a pass for 4 yards.
7. Rookie right tackle Caleb Lomu made his offensive debut late in the fourth quarter, coming in for Morgan Moses on New England’s final possession for four offensive snaps. In Week 1, Lomu contributed exclusively on special teams.
Although Lomu has focused primarily on tackle, Vrabel on Monday left the door open to move him inside to guard to account for Onwenu’s absence. Greg Van Roten took Onwenu’s place on Sunday, with Ben Brown also available.
Patriots postgame: Drake Maye on Mike Onwenu injury, struggles vs. Steelers
Patriots QB Drake Maye did not look his best in Week 2 (Video by Von Smith/Globe Staff)