The New England Patriots didn't get off to a good start this season, losing in Week 1 to the Las Vegas Raiders. Before the season began, the team made a surprising move when they released veteran safety Jabrill Peppers, after he initially made the team's roster. Peppers had been a valuable member of the team's defense, which is what made fans wonder why they moved on. Fortunately for Peppers, he's already found a new home, which will keep him in the AFC.
Former Patriot Jabrill Peppers Signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Jabrill Peppers is set to join the Pittsburgh Steelers roster, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. who the team is expecting to replace injured starter DeShon Elliott. After being surprisingly cut, Peppers now gets to become a starter for a team with hopes of making a playoff run. The Steelers got off to a great start this season with a thrilling 34-32 win against fellow AFC East team, the New York Jets.
If Peppers wants revenge against the Patriots for releasing him, he won't have to wait long, as the two teams meet in week 3.
Peppers was outspoken following his release, so fans should expect him to be extra prepared for the Week 3 matchup. Given what we saw from the Steelers in Week 1, this will be a hard-fought game, as Aaron Rodgers looks better than he did last year, and the offense, in its second year under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, is looking to be much improved.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel should know what to expect from Smith, as during Vrabel's tenure as head coach of the Tennessee Titans, Arthur Smith served as his offensive coordinator during the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
For the Patriots, if they want to win against the Steelers, they'll need to look a lot better than they did in the opening game of the season. While getting Christian Gonzalez back from injury would help the defense, the offensive line needs to improve so the team can better establish the run, something they failed at against the Raiders. Defending the pass is another concern as Geno Smith threw all over the Pats defense, and the Steelers are just as capable of that.
While the Steelers' signing Peppers brings excitement to next week's game, you can't overlook any game and have to prepare for the next team in front of you. For the Patriots, that comes in the form of traveling to Florida to take on division rival Miami Dolphins, on Sunday, Sept. 14.