Jabrill Peppers gets game ball after fumble recovery aids Steelers' defensive effort in win against Patriots

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — It was a moment for Jabrill Peppers to savor and celebrate.

Playing in his second game for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Peppers not only saw his first snaps on defense, he got the start at safety and had a fumble recovery in the second half that was part of five takeaways produced against the New England Patriots in a 21-14 victory Sunday.

As he clutched the ball, Peppers ran into the end zone and made a gesture to the fans in a moment of adulation for the former Patriots player.

“I envisioned it last night,” Peppers said after he received a game ball for his effort that included six tackles. “I let the fans know I miss them, but I’m down with the Steel Curtain now.”

With the Steelers minus starting strong safety DeShon Elliott and corner Joey Porter Jr., Peppers started alongside Jalen Ramsey at the safety spots. Brandin Echols started at outside corner. Chuck Clark and Juan Thornhill rotated into the defense and also had six tackles apiece, but Peppers’ play stood out because of his newness to the defense.

A week earlier, after being signed in free agency following the season opener, Peppers’ snaps were limited to special teams.

“It meant a lot,” Peppers said about starting against his former team. “It shows the coaching staff trusts me. I dived into the playbook every day and every night, and I made sure I was on top of my game. I communicate the right way, and I’m in the right spots. I definitely have a lot I gotta work on, fine tune the minute details.”

Peppers tackled Antonio Gibson at the Steelers 43 on a first down run. T.J. Watt was credited with the forced fumble, although it looked like Peppers had done the dirty work. Peppers then pounced on the loose ball for the fourth of the Steelers’ five takeaways.

“He’s made plays everywhere,” Ramsey said. “It’s not going to change just because he’s in a new uniform. I was glad he was out there with us today, getting his first action. He got to show how he plays, got to show his flavor.”

Peppers took pride in receiving a game ball from coach Mike Tomlin. Another former Patriots player, tight end Jonnu Smith, also received a game ball.

“I had to keep my emotions in check,” Peppers said about his return to Gillette Stadium. “I couldn’t let the moment get too big, let the big plays come to you. I’ve definitely got to work on some details, but it’s good to be correcting things after a win.”

First one down

In his NFL and Steelers debut, first-round pick Derrick Harmon recorded his first sack. It came in the first quarter when he dropped Drake Maye for a 4-yard loss on third down, forcing the only punt of the game for the Patriots.

Harmon finished with two tackles while rotating in with fellow rookie Yahya Black on the line.

“I’ve got to keep stacking these and get better,” Harmon said.

Harmon sprained his knee in the preseason finale and missed the first two games of the season. He was a limited practice participant early in the week before practicing fully Friday. He learned Saturday that he would be part of the game-day roster.

“There was a feeling, but it was a last-minute type of thing,” Harmon said. “I was glad I could get out there with the guys and compete.”

Despite Harmon’s inclusion in the defensive rotation, the Steelers still allowed 119 yards rushing, two more than Seattle gained a week earlier. Still, defensive captain Cameron Heyward liked what he saw from the rookie.

“He’s got strong hands,” Heyward said. “I was worried about his conditioning, but he came to play today.”

Heating up

One week after seeing his first snaps on defense, Cole Holcomb started at inside linebacker ahead of Payton Wilson. Holcomb had six tackles, including five solo stops.

His forced fumble on the opening drive was the first of five takeaways for the Steelers. Holcomb knocked the ball from running back Rhamondre Stevenson’s grasp, and Darius Slay recovered at the Steelers 46. It led to a touchdown drive and 7-0 lead for the Steelers.

“When you do things the right way, show up for work every day, good things find you,” inside linebacker Patrick Queen said. “I couldn’t be more excited for him, especially with all the things he had to deal with.”

Returning from a nearly two-year absence because of a leg injury, Holcomb didn’t play on defense in the season opener, and he was limited to 13 defensive snaps last week against Seattle. With the Patriots frequently deploying two tight ends — Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper — Holcomb anticipated increased playing time against New England.

“It’s worked out in my favor in terms of how this process has gone and them not throwing me in and playing me every snap,” Holcomb said. “It’s more about getting into the feel of things. Getting those snaps last week definitely helped.”

Keeping clean

After being sacked seven times in the first two games, Aaron Rodgers didn’t go to the ground once against the Patriots, who entered the game with nine sacks.

Rodgers credited the work of the offensive line, which was under scrutiny the first two games for its protection lapses, and to offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

“It’s a group effort, and I’ve tried to take accountability the last couple weeks on sacks that were probably my fault,” Rodgers said. “Today, I moved around just enough there. There are some things to clean up, but I have a lot of confidence in those guys, and Art did a good job keeping them off balance with some of the different protection schemes and some moving-the-pocket stuff.

“I thought those guys played well. They were a little upset after last week. They played with a better attitude.”