The Pittsburgh Steelers took down the New Orleans Saints 16-10 in the NFL’s first game in Paris, France. The Steelers went up by three points in the first half with the help of some Chris Boswell kicks and an Aaron Rodgers throw to Darnell Washington in the end zone. The defense shut out New Orleans in the second half, including a red zone interception from Payton Wilson.
The Steelers remain second in the AFC North race after improving to 5-2 with Sunday’s win. The Cincinnati Bengals’ victory over the Baltimore Ravens means that Pittsburgh will play for the division lead next week against the Cleveland Browns, who beat them a few weeks ago on Thursday Night Football.
Sunday morning’s game showed positive flashes for the Steelers offense. The numbers were not the best, but the Steelers achieved something they did not do in their loss at Cleveland: offensive balance. This is the key to avenging that loss against the Browns and sitting atop the division during their Week 9 bye.
Warren and Dowdle Finally Looked Like a Real Tandem
Jaylen Warren has emerged as a legitimate top-five running back this season, tallying 855 total scrimmage yards so far. His average of about 122.1 yards per game is the highest since Le’Veon Bell‘s 129.7 YPG in 2017. That’s elite company, and it’s the reason why Pittsburgh has won four of its last five games.
Warren excelled as the sole back in the offense during Rico Dowdle‘s absence. The initial plan of a split backfield was not as effective, but Sunday’s win against the Saints was the best look yet at the duo. Dowdle had nine carries for 41 yards alongside six catches for 45 yards. He and Warren totaled 36 touches at a 60-40 split, but the offense did not stall with Dowdle on the field.
Warren said after the game that the team focused on exploiting one of the league’s worst rushing defenses in New Orleans.
“We knew what we knew about them,” said Warren. “And so, we wanted to use our strengths against their weaknesses.”
Warren also spoke to his relationship with Dowdle and how their combination leads to success.
“You can tell it works well,” he said. “That’s my dog. We’re a good complement to each other and got a good season ahead.”
The Steelers also improved their third-and-short playcalling in this game, leaning on Warren’s hard-nosed running to pick up five of their 10 third-down conversions. However, Warren only received four red zone touches throughout the whole game. It’s part of a frustrating pattern: the Steelers keep avoiding their best player in scoring situations, and it’s why the offense only found the end zone once.
The same way the offense simplified its third-and-short situations, the Steelers need to lean on Warren for goal-line opportunities. They have weirdly avoided it, even with Warren’s ability to gain yards after contact.
Rodgers’ Legs Saved Three Separate Drives
Aaron Rodgers is 42 years old. He’s not the most mobile quarterback in football anymore. Still, Rodgers has been great at extending plays with his legs this season, and Sunday morning was no exception.
One of Rodgers’ best throws set up the eventual touchdown to Washington, and that throw was possible because of his somehow rejuvenated mobility. On a third and 14, Rodgers stayed composed and broke left after pressure collapsed around him. Rodgers then threw it downfield to D.K. Metcalf for the 51-yard completion to land in the red zone.
The second scramble came late in the third quarter. Rodgers sat in the pocket until Troy Fautanu drove Chase Young behind Rodgers. He then bailed out left while keeping his eyes downfield. He found receiver Brandon Smith for 20 yards. Plays like these were how the Steelers kept the offense on the field and extended their lead.
The last scramble was arguably the most impressive. In the dwindling minutes of the fourth quarter, Rodgers dropped back to pass on another third-and-medium. The Saints did a good job of covering the back end and pressuring with four rushers, but Rodgers ultimately dashed forward between Young and Carl Granderson for eight yards and a first down.
Offensive Balance Is the Key to Beating Cleveland
Sunday’s win over the Saints showcased the team’s ability to establish the run and get the passing attack going. They extended their drives by calling the necessary plays in the right moments and executing them. Their red zone efficiency still left a lot to be desired, but there is potential for improvement there.
Leaning into the run allowed Rodgers to operate comfortably. This bodes well for their chances against a Browns team that almost let Rodgers pull out a comeback with his arm. A healthy balance of Warren’s pinball running and Rodgers’ playmaking ability should take them to a 6-2 record at the bye week.
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