4 winners and losers from New England Patriots shocking win over the Steelers

Winner No. 2 - Running back Ezekiel Elliott

I have never been the biggest fan of Elliott's, to be honest. He has been a very good running back at times during his career, but he also had a tremendous offensive line when he was with the Dallas Cowboys. Maybe because of the Patriots' 2023 offensive line, Elliott hasn't looked consistently very good. New England simply does not run-block well and currently is 22nd in the NFL in yards per rush.

But on Thursday against the Steelers, Elliott found other ways to help the team. He did run the ball 22 times for 68 tough yards, but he was highly effective in catching the ball as he finished with seven receptions and 72 yards receiving. He also scored a touchdown receiving, of course.

Elliott is no longer the running back he once was. He has simply taken too many hits in his career and has slowed some. He is still capable of being a decent three-down back in a rotation, and if New England adds a talented running back or two over this offseason via free agency or the NFL draft, Elliott would be a wise veteran voice to help the rookies and a good compliment to another veteran back.

Oh, and Elliott might have saved the game for the Patriots when he tackled Mykal Walker after Zappe's second half interception. The little things win games, right?