The New England Patriots defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers by a 21-18 margin on Thursday night.
Quarterback Bailey Zappe had a stellar game in the shocking upset win, throwing for 240 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Not only was the New England offense led by Zappe, but it was also led by the stellar play of tight end Hunter Henry, along with wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster, who had a team-high 90 receiving yards.
The team was also able to find contributions from running back Ezekiel Elliott. The veteran rusher had 22 carries for 68 yards on the ground, and he added a receiving touchdown to his line as well.
New England’s defense made life difficult for Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who threw for 190 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Safety Jabrill Peppers came up with the takeaway and helped set up one of New England’s touchdowns.
Patriots Twitter was excited about the win, and we’ve compiled some of the best reactions from social media.
PATRIOTS VICTORY! pic.twitter.com/N6HLGF4TZ1
— New England Patriots Football (@Turbanedpatsfan) December 8, 2023
Wwwwwwell would you look at that https://t.co/KZVpemHdt7
— New England Patriots Fans Ireland (@PatsIreland) December 8, 2023
Imagine losing to the 2023 New England Patriots. Pittsburgh having 7 wins is the biggest lie in Pro Football #NEvsPIT
— Kieran L (@kieran_shaker) December 8, 2023
WHAT A WIN FOR THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
— Chicago Dill (@DillonCaraballo) December 8, 2023
With the 8th pick in the 2024 NFL draft the New England Patriots select Jayden Daniels QB LSU https://t.co/ZheRFQGECt
— Tyler Puska (@Ferdaboyz97) December 8, 2023
Well, the New England Patriots are going to win in Pittsburgh. Who would have thunk it?
— Ken Fang — Very Asian With a Blue Checkmark (@fangsbites) December 8, 2023
We are about to lose to the New England Patriots in 2023
— Julian (@ZOfficialJ_8) December 8, 2023
The New England Patriots actually won a football game!!! #ForeverNE
— Robbie Johnson (@rjohn390) December 8, 2023
The Steelers may be even more unserious than I thought. However, the Patriots winning this game is absolutely hilarious from a NFL Draft standpoint. Bo Nix, you’re a New England Patriot!
— Sam Neumann (@Sam_Neumann_) December 8, 2023
the new england patriots never fail to make me pissed
— ryan (@ggryan_) December 8, 2023
Wouldn’t be Steelers Vs Patriots without New England getting the benefit of a really bad call
— 🎅🏻Michael Costa: Saint Thiccolass☃️ (@MichaelCosta9) December 8, 2023
Steelers Losing To A 2-10 Patriots Team Is Nasty Work!!! Thank U New England For Finally Doing Something Right!!! Goodnight!!!
🤣🏈🤣🏈#NFL #PatriotsSteelers #ThursdayNightFootball #WhoDey🧡🖤🏈 #camjnetwork pic.twitter.com/wD9bKnBdoj— Camjnetwork (@camjnetwork) December 8, 2023
Steelers lost to the patriots!? LMAOO let’s gooo
— ⚡️novemberΣveryown⚡️ (@onlySmoove_) December 8, 2023
We forever OWN the Steelers😭💯
— 𝐆𝐄𝐄𝐙𝐘✎ツ (@YoungPiccasso) December 8, 2023
THANK YOU FOR WINNING I FORGOT WHAT THAT FELT LIKE pic.twitter.com/t536XCiuhB
— 💜 (@thefutxre) December 8, 2023
Beating Pittsburgh is worth it.
— Jamie (@JamieJigs) December 8, 2023
Thankfully had a win to spare 🫡
— Mike (@mikef415_) December 8, 2023
— Baller vC (@_BallervC) December 8, 2023
Woo hoo! #ForeverNE 💙
— Jacqueline Hunt (@jjhunt61) December 8, 2023
Bill Belichick walking out of Acrisure Stadium after giving it to the Steelers in another prime time game: pic.twitter.com/bBawNIfb5E
— MC (@ForeverNE1999) December 8, 2023
Where was this team all season !?
— Nico (@nico_w1992) December 8, 2023