Patriots should hit the ground running against Steelers in Week 2

Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, suffering from a back injury, expects to play in Week 2 in Pittsburgh. Regardless of the QB situation, expect New England to lean into its diverse run game, something center David Andrews called the Patriots' “fastball” following Sunday's game.

The Patriots ranked seventh in run rate (45.73 percent) in 2021 and second in run rate in 2020 with a direct rushing threat at quarterback (Cam Newton — a steep increase from the late-era Tom Brady days. 

Andrews said the Patriots abandoned the running game earlier than expected in the 20-7 loss in Week 1 to Miami because they trailed most of the game.

If Jones plays, as expected, look for him to start fast again. He has been most efficient early, completing 78.7 percent of his passes in the first quarter. His passer rating on first down was 100.2 last week, the highest of any down in his career and 7.7 points higher than his 2021 average.

Not losing early is the first part of winning, something multiple Patriots reiterated after the loss to Miami.

The Steelers gave up the most rushing yards in the league last season (2,483). Without linebacker T.J. Watt (pec injury), Pittsburgh's defensive front won't be at full force, so expect a high dose of the ground game Sunday from the Patriots, who are a slight favorite.