After being shut out for four quarters in Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, the New England Patriots got into the end zone on their first drive tonight.
Led by second-year backup-turned starting quarterback Bailey Zappe, the Patriots marched 75 yards in eight plays, capping the drive off with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Zappe to running back Ezekiel Elliott.
New England had scored only 13 total points and one offensive touchdown in their previous three games, all losses.
Social media unsurprisingly exploded with people pointing out the Pats’ scoring “explosion” immediately after Elliott crossed the goal line.
“A Patriots team that didn’t score any points on Sunday slices through the Steelers defense and gets to the end zone on its first drive,” said ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.
A Patriots team that didn’t score any points on Sunday slices through the Steelers defense and gets to the end zone on its first drive.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 8, 2023
“Took the Patriots less than four minutes to have as many points as the last two weeks combined,” added PFF.
Took the Patriots less than four minutes to have as many points as the last two weeks combined 👀 pic.twitter.com/U1h65X9GDB
— PFF (@PFF) December 8, 2023
Patriots points last 2 games: 7
Patriots points on opening drive: 7
Absolute disgrace.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) December 8, 2023
I don’t understand. The Patriots made a play where they cross the goal line? And get to then kick it? And this counts for seven points? How does this work?
— Jerry Thornton (@jerrythornton1) December 8, 2023
“ThE pAtRiOtS mAy NoT sCoRe a SiNgLe PoInT!” pic.twitter.com/PeUYh0IBJJ
— Chris Mack (@THEChrisMack) December 8, 2023
The Steelers also scored on their first possession, with kicker Chris Boswell nailing a 56-yard field goal after the drive stalled.
Already, these two teams are one-third of the way to Vegas’ over/under for tonight’s game, set for 30 points.
You can watch Steelers-Patriots on Amazon Prime Video.