New England Patriots escape Pittsburgh with a season-changing win

On Sunday, the New England Patriots were able to escape with a thrilling win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After a disappointing loss to the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football, the New England Patriots were able to bounce back with a win in the most important game of the season.

Coming into Week 15, this game was all about home-field advantage in the AFC. With both the Steelers and the Patriots being the top teams in the conference, this game was crucial for the Patriots.

Early on, the Patriots were able to jump in front thanks to a big play from Tom Brady to Brandin Cooks. The Patriots would then smash it in with a run from Rex Burkhead, and the Patriots were able to quiet the loud crowd of Pittsburgh.

However, the Steelers would go on to answer the touchdown drive of the Patriots with one of their own. The Steelers would establish some momentum after that despite seeing Antonio Brown go down with an injury.

At halftime, the Steelers were up 17-10, and they were controlling the clock very nicely. In the second half, the Patriots were able to keep it close throughout and gave Brady and the offense a shot to take the lead late.

With a few great passes to Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots were able to score a touchdown with less than a minute to go. With a one-point lead at the time, the Patriots went right back to Gronkowski for the two-point conversion. The successful attempt gave them the very important three-point lead.

After the Patriots scored, the Steelers were able to get a huge play to Juju Smith-Schuster, which brought the ball inside the red zone for the Steelers. After a Jesse James touchdown was overturned, the Steelers ended up throwing an interception, as it reminded everyone of the Super Bowl against the Seahawks.

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The poor decision by the Steelers could very well cost them home-field deep in the playoffs. For the Patriots, the huge error by the defense on the pass to Smith-Schuster late in the game now is forgotten, and they control their own destiny for home-field if they win out.