Steelers face 4th-and-43 after chaotic play against Patriots

During the Week 2 matchup between the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers on September 20, 2026, a bizarre sequence resulted in the Steelers facing a 4th-and-43. It occurred late in the second quarter, when a pass attempt from the Steelers' quarterback resulted in a fumble that traveled 36 yards backward. The Patriots' defense pushed the Steelers back from 3rd-and-7 to this challenging fourth down. Chaos ensued as the ball bounced between players before the Steelers managed to recover it, although not without a humorous spectacle. The game remains a defensive battle, with points hard to come by for both teams.

• 6:37 PMYahoo Sports — This cartoony Patriots-Steelers sequence that leads to astonishing 4th-and-43 is must-watch clip