FOXBORO — Don’t blame the Patriots’ defense for Sunday’s loss to the Steelers.

After allowing two quick touchdowns to begin the game, the defense kept the Patriots in the game for the remaining 43 minutes of the contest.

Credit coaches for identifying two issues early in the game by benching linebacker Christian Elliss and cornerback Alex Austin after the Steelers’ initial scoring drives.

Related Articles

Elliss, whose tackling issues continued from last week’s win over the Dolphins, was replaced by veteran linebacker Jack Gibbens.

“Anytime I got an opportunity to help the team, I’m gonna do it,” Gibbens said after the game. Any chance I get to get on the field, excited about it.”

Gibbens finished the game with one tackle while playing next to linebacker Robert Spillane on early down

See Full Page