The Steelers almost gave away what seemed like a sure thing yesterday, allowing the Minnesota Vikings to get back in the game after leading 24-6 in the fourth quarter. The final score in Dublin, Ireland was 24-21, making the Steelers 3-1 as they enter their bye week.
Subbing for the illness-plagued Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell ran for 99 yards and two touchdowns, and Aaron Rodgers completed 18 of 22 passes for 200 yards, including an 80-yard catch-and-run touchdown by DK Metcalf. Meanwhile, the Steelers’ defense sacked Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz six times and DeShon Elliott and TJ Watt both intercepted passes.
There were plenty of mistakes, too, to allow the Vikings back into the game, including allowing an 81-yard reception to Jordan Addison in the closing minutes, a play on which linebacker Payton Wilson ran down the speedy receiver to keep him out of the end zone. NextGen Stats measured Wilson’s top speed at 22.48 miles per hour, the fastest time ever recorded for an NFL linebacker since the stat started being kept in 2016. The Vikings also blocked a 30-yard field goal attempt by Chris Boswell when Pat Freiermuth missed his block on Isaiah Rodgers.
Coach Mike Tomlin says he’s happy to go into the bye week with a win and a good start to the season, despite some obvious flaws.
Tomlin says the Steelers enjoyed their time in Ireland, but knew they had business to do.
Tomlin says defensive coordinator Teryl Austin made the right calls to counter the Vikings’ offense.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers says the run game complemented the passing game perfectly.
TJ Watt says it was a great day for the Steelers organization.
Watt says the bye week will help the Steelers rest and heal.
Receiver DK Metcalf had five catches for 126 yards and the long touchdown. He says he is feeling more and more comfortable in the Steelers’ offense.
The most serious injury appeared to be a shoulder injury suffered by receiver Calvin Austin III. He was checked out at a Dublin hospital. Defensive backs Jaylen Ramsey, Brandin Echols and Darius Slay all left the game but later returned.
After the bye this week, the Steelers are back in action at Acrisure Stadium with their first AFC North game on October 12th against the Browns.
Cleveland was crushed by Detroit yesterday, 34-10 to fall to 1-3. Baltimore fell to 1-3 with a 37-20 loss to Kansas City. Cincinnati plays at Green Bay tonight.
