New England Patriots team grades vs Pittsburgh Steelers Week 15

For the second consecutive week, the Patriots were ripped to shreds on the ground. Last week, Kenyan Drake ran for 114 yards on 25 carries. This week it was much of the same as Le’Veon Bell found plenty of running space against the Patriots.

Just like in the matchup against the Dolphins, the Patriots were without their defensive leader, Kyle Van Noy. It hurt against the Dolphins and hurt just as much against the Steelers.

Bell carried the ball 24 times and turned them into 117 yards and one touchdown. The 4.9 yards per carry Bell had against the Patriots was the second highest mark he had in a game this season. The only higher one he had was against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Steelers’ sixth game of the season.

Backup running back James Conner gained 13 yards on his three carries. He was injured in the game as well, spraining his knee. Roethlisberger was even able to scramble a few times, gaining 10 yards on three carries.

The Patriots rushing defense was looking like it turned a corner, but they have regressed the past two weeks. Injuries have played a part, but the Patriots will have to shore up their rushing defense in the coming weeks heading into the postseason.