Steelers Facing NFL Punishment After Drake Maye Incident

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Steelers Facing NFL Punishment After Drake Maye Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Sep 21, 2026 6:31 AM ET

Drake Maye and the New England Patriots scored their first win of the season on Sunday. They hosted Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium, marking the Patriots’ first home game of the new NFL season.

Maye was far from exceptional, but he did enough to help lead New England to a 20-3 win over Pittsburgh. The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback completed 14-of-22 passes for 208 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception. He also had four carries for an additional 17 rushing yards.

Maye was sacked three times in the game. He also took a big hit in the first half, resulting in a penalty against the Steelers.

Pittsburgh defensive tackle Keeanu Benton was called for a personal foul against Maye at the 7:24 mark of the second quarter. Benton made forceful contact with Maye as the Patriots quarterback threw an incomplete pass to DeMario Douglas.

A flag was thrown on the play, and Benton was assessed a roughing-the-passer violation for his hit on Maye, resulting in an automatic 15-yard penalty for New England.

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According to Rule 12, Section 2, Article 11 of the 2026 NFL rulebook, players are explicitly prohibited from “any physical acts against a player who is in a passing posture (i.e. before, during, or after attempting a pass) which, in the game official’s judgment, are unwarranted by the circumstances of the play will be called as fouls.”

Under the NFL’s fines schedule, a roughing-the-passer penalty carries a fine of $17,911 for a first offense and $23,882 for a second. The NFL will review Benton’s foul and determine whether his actions warrant a fine.

The league typically announces player fines every Saturday afternoon. Benton will need to wait for the NFL’s decision on any potential punishment.

Both the Patriots and the Steelers are now 1-1. Maye and Co. will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3, while Pittsburgh will host the Cincinnati Bengals.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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