Patriots-Steelers Weather Forecast Could Create Week 2 Concern
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The New England Patriots might face more than the Pittsburgh Steelers during Sunday’s home opener at Gillette Stadium. Wet weather could become a factor as New England attempts to rebound from its season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Patriots and Steelers are scheduled to kick off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET in Foxboro.
The latest forecast calls for cloudy skies and a temperature near 64 degrees at kickoff. Rain is expected to arrive during the afternoon, potentially creating slick conditions as the game progresses.
The National Weather Service forecast includes a chance of showers after noon. Other projections place the chance of precipitation between 40% and 80%, with temperatures potentially dropping into the upper 50s before the game concludes.
Weather Underground projects winds between 5 and 10 mph and the possibility of heavier rainfall during the afternoon. The wind should not be strong enough to significantly alter either team’s passing game, but the timing and intensity of the rain could become important.
Rain Could Test Patriots’ Ball Security
The possibility of wet conditions places additional pressure on Drake Maye and New England’s offense. Maye threw three fourth-quarter interceptions in the Patriots’ 13-10 loss to Seattle. New England cannot afford another collection of costly mistakes against a Pittsburgh defense capable of changing games with takeaways.
The Patriots learned that lesson against the Steelers last season. New England turned the ball over five times in a 21-14 loss at Gillette Stadium.
A wet football could make exchanges, catches and open-field ball security more difficult Sunday. It also could encourage both teams to lean more heavily on their rushing attacks, particularly if the rain intensifies during the second half. TreVeyon Henderson, who was cleared to play after dealing with an ankle injury, could take on an important role alongside Rhamondre Stevenson. The Patriots may need that combination to keep the offense on schedule and prevent Pittsburgh’s pass rush from taking over the game.
MORE: Patriots Keys to Victory vs. Steelers in Week 2 NFL Game
Patriots Fans Should Prepare For Wet Afternoon
Fans attending the home opener should plan for changing conditions. The game could begin under cloudy but relatively dry skies before showers arrive later in the afternoon. Rain gear would be advisable even if precipitation has not started when the gates open.
The Patriots practiced in the rain during training camp, but their opener against Seattle was played in dry conditions. Pittsburgh also avoided rain during its Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
That could leave both teams adjusting to their first meaningful wet-weather football of the season. Sunday’s forecast does not currently suggest that conditions will be severe enough to threaten the 1 p.m. ET start. However, the increasing chance of rain means weather could become one of the biggest variables in a game New England already badly needs to win.