The Patriots came to Pittsburgh expecting a big win against a depleted Steelers team, which played without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Eventually, that’s what they got, though the 27-16 victory was marred by miscues and missed opportunities.

The Steelers came out in the first half determined on stopping the Patriots’ tight end tandem of Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett. Seeing nickel packages on the other side of the field, the Patriots countered with a run-heavy approach in the first half, going up, 14-0, after touchdowns by running backs James White and LeGarrette Blount.

“They tried to play some nickel defense against Rob and Bennett and we were able to get some good runs going with Blount,’’ Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. “That kind of offset some of the defense they were playing there.’’

Blount, the former Steeler, finished with 127 yards on 24 carries and two scores.

Without Roethlisberger and their top defender in Cameron Heyward, however, the Steelers couldn’t keep up with the Patriots.

The Patriots were lucky their fumbles didn’t cost them. Chris Hogan lost the ball on the very first offensive play. Jarvis Jones knocked the ball loose and recovered it, giving the Steelers possession at the New England 45.

“I have to understand that there is going to be people coming from behind looking to strip,’’ Hogan said. “I was a little careless with it and I had to move on after that.’’

Hogan was fortunate the Steelers didn’t score. Backup quarterback Landry Jones underthrew receiver Antonio Brown in the end zone and Malcolm Butler intercepted it.

Edelman’s fumble on a punt return in the fourth quarter gave the Steelers, who were down by 11 at the time, an extra possession at the Patriots’ 44-yard line, but Steelers coach Mike Tomlin chose to attempt a 54-yard field goal on fourth and 3, which went wide right.