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Stifling defense, multiple Rodgers and Irish jig among Steelers-Vikings winners, losers
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- Stifling defense, multiple Rodgers and Irish jig among Steelers-Vikings winners, losers
Just when you think you can head for the gates – or submit a game story before the final gun – that apparent NFL blowout suddenly turns highly competitive.
Such was the case Sunday (morning?), when the Irish saw the "hometown" Pittsburgh Steelers , who built a 24-6 fourth-quarter lead, fend off a late raid from the Minnesota Vikings during a 24-21 victory in Dublin – site of the first NFL regular-season game to be staged in Ireland.
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And what a thrill for Steelers ownership – the venerable Rooney family hailing from Ireland and late owner Dan Rooney serving as the U.S. ambassador to the "Emerald Isle" during the first administration of President Barack Obama. Art Rooney II, the club's current president, got to witness his team improve to 3-1 on his family's native soil and continue to look like it might (finally) be geared to make a late postseason run under QB Aaron Rodgers .
But Rooney's Steelers weren't the only winners (or losers) from a momentous contest:
WINNERS
Pittsburgh pass defense
The Vikings were able to move the ball effectively, especially in the game's late stages, but too little, too late − largely due to the Steelers' pass D working in unison front to back. Pittsburgh sacked Minnesota QB Carson Wentz six times and picked him off twice (and nearly a third on the Vikings' final possession). And while Vikes WR Justin Jefferson and newly reinstated Jordan Addison combined for 14 catches and 240 yards, they didn't reach the end zone − though a little luck of the Irish on that front (keep reading).
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Pick-jig
Steelers S DeShon Elliott recorded the game's first interception and celebrated in Irish-appropriate style. He also broke up Minnesota's final pass of the day, securing a hard-fought win.
Styx
" Renegade ," the Steelers' fourth-quarter rally anthem, made the trip from Pittsburgh to Dublin and blared through Croke Park with 11:18 to go in the game, "Terrible Towels" twirling throughout ... though the team nearly fell apart afterward. Styx may not have, say, U2's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bona fides – more on them later – but no Steelers "home" game is complete without their signature song.
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Steelers RB2 Kenneth Gainwell
Starting in place of injured Pittsburgh starting RB Jaylen Warren , Gainwell, a fifth-year vet, responded with a career day – rushing for a personal best 99 yards and scoring multiple touchdowns in a game for the first time in his pro career. Seemed kind of odd − and was nearly disastrous − when Mike Tomlin didn't let Gainwell try to ice the game on fourth-and-inches from the Vikings' 40-yard line at the end of the Steelers' penultimate drive, the coach opting for a punt that resulted in a touchback and effectively netted 20 yards.
J.J. McCarthy
The Vikings' injured second-year quarterback probably saw his QB1 status solidified on a day when his backup, Wentz, turned the ball over and couldn't come close to delivering on an ugly last-gasp drive that included an intentional grounding infraction. Sunday was Wentz's second start for the Vikes, and while he didn't play terribly overall, this performance didn't approach the team's dominant Week 3 win over Cincinnati – one that might have set the table for a QB controversy had Minnesota been able to maintain its momentum.
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Mr. (Isaiah) Rodgers
The reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Week, the Minnesota cornerback showed up again Sunday, blocking a 30-yard field-goal attempt by Pittsburgh's Chris Boswell in the second quarter.
Mr. (Aaron) Rodgers, 2025 European edition
A year ago, the future Hall of Famer had perhaps his worst game as a New York Jet – that's saying something – serving up three interceptions to the Vikings in London during a 23-17 loss that led to the firing of NYJ coach Robert Saleh and effectively ended the team's 2024 campaign. Rodgers, an avowed Guinness fan, seemed much more comfortable in Dublin – efficiently picking apart the defense that previously vexed him across the Atlantic. Rodgers completed his first 10 passes against Minnesota, including a slant to WR DK Metcalf that resulted in an 80-yard TD after the quarterback manipulated the formation, and finished with 200 yards after completing 18 of 22 passes. Rodgers, who also looked limber outside the pocket, is off to his first 3-1 start since he was with the Green Bay Packers in 2022.
LOSERS
Minnesota Vikings , 2025 European edition
Not only could they not handle Rodgers, there were other short- and long-term implications for Minnesota. The Vikings lost their 4-0 record in NFL International Series games – previously the league's best in terms of winning percentage – and they now have to stew in it during their extended European staycation . The first NFL team that will play consecutive games in Europe but in different cities, the Vikes will face the Cleveland Browns in London next Sunday.
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Vikings RB2 Jordan Mason
Starting again in place of injured Minnesota starting RB Aaron Jones Sr., Mason, a fourth-year vet obtained from the San Francisco 49ers in an offseason trade, never really got it going – despite being saved from an apparent fumble by replay in the first quarter. Mason finished with 57 yards on 16 carries, and Minnesota wound up passing 72% of the time due to its largely absent run game.
Croke Park turf?
A bit slick? A few players seemed to struggle with their footing, notably Jefferson, who seemed to be running free toward the end zone on a 29-yard catch-and-run in the final minute of the first half before suffering a wipeout. Minnesota eventually settled for a field goal on the drive.
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U2 fans
No, they're not losers, quite the opposite – amazing musical community if you've ever been to one of the legendary band's concerts. But given the famed Irish quartet gave the leageu its best-ever Super Bowl halftime show, would have been nice seeing them perform on their home field in front of their countrymen and other supporters as opposed to just hearing snippets of their hits heading into commercial breaks or from Croke Park's sound system.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aaron Rodgers, Irish jig, Steelers D among winners, losers in Ireland
