The Patriots turned the ball over on their first offensive play of Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh, but the Steelers weren’t able to turn Chris Hogan’s fumble into points.
Landry Jones hooked up with Antonio Brown to move the Steelers into the red zone, but a second try for Brown in the end zone on third down was thwarted by cornerback Malcolm Butler. Butler picked off the pass, giving the Patriots the ball on their own 20-yard-line.
Hogan fumbled on a hit by Steelers linebacker Jarvis Jones, who also recovered the ball, after a 10-yard gain on a pass from Tom Brady. Replays made it look like Hogan’s knee may have been down, but the call on the field was upheld after the customary review of a turnover.
Landry Jones is 3-of-4 overall, but that one miss could be a big one as the Patriots gave Pittsburgh a big opportunity at an early lead. The Steelers may also have to go without wide receiver Sammie Coates, whose return is called questionable after he aggravated his hand injury. Markus Wheaton is inactive for the Steelers due to a shoulder injury.