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Patriots Power Rankings: Week 2 vs. Steelers “a must win”?

Following a 13-10 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks in their Wednesday night opener—marking their second consecutive loss to Seattle—the New England Patriots dropped four places in ESPN's power rankings while still clinging to a top-ten spot. J.

Brown sustained an ankle sprain. In response to scrutiny, head coach Mike Vrabel stood by his choice to hold first-stringers out of exhibition contests, noting how difficult results-oriented evaluation can be.

New England now turns its attention to a home opener against the 1-0 Pittsburgh Steelers, who enter the matchup coming off an opening victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Despite Pittsburgh's winning start and New England's early missteps, oddsmakers have pegged the Steelers as heavy underdogs in Foxborough.

Ahead of Sunday's clash, Vrabel has issued cautions regarding the opponent while simultaneously urging home supporters to participate in a viral online campaign during the contest.