Aaron Rodgers is playing like he’s 32 again, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are trying to make history, aiming for their third straight win in the first-ever NFL game played in France this Sunday. The 42-year-old quarterback has been absolutely red-hot lately, completing 68.8% of his passes with five touchdowns and just one interception in Pittsburgh’s past two games. He’s showing off impressive mobility and elusiveness, and he’s bringing a serious challenge to a New Orleans team that just snapped a three-game losing streak.
Rodgers is Red-Hot, Steelers are Rolling
The Steelers (4-2) aren’t just looking for a third consecutive victory; they’re also battling to stay in step with the AFC North, the only division in the AFC where every single team boasts a winning record. Their recent surge is a direct result of Rodgers’ resurgence, the emergence of Jaylen Warren, and a defense that ranks among the league’s best on third down and in the red zone. Remember, these guys were the first team to win a regular season game in Ireland last year, so making history in France isn’t new territory. Rodgers proved his mettle against the Buccaneers last Sunday, shaking off five sacks to engineer Pittsburgh’s largest fourth-quarter comeback since 1992. He clinched that overtime win with a six-yard touchdown pass to rookie Germie Bernard. Bernard, a second-round pick, has quickly become one of Rodgers’ favorite targets, hauling in six passes for 80 yards in their Week 5 win over the Colts and an impressive 11 receptions for 87 yards against Tampa Bay.
Saints’ Defensive Woes and the Paris Travel Saga
While the Steelers are riding high, the New Orleans Saints (2-4) are fresh off a much-needed win over the Giants, a victory that finally snapped a three-game skid. Still, they’ve got a lot of work to do if they’re serious about challenging the Panthers for NFC South supremacy. Adding to the drama in Paris, the two teams had wildly different travel plans. The Saints touched down in Paris on Monday, giving them six full days to adjust before Sunday’s game. The Steelers, on the other hand, didn’t arrive in France until early Friday after a red-eye flight from Pittsburgh. And get this: they had to cancel practice right upon arrival due to some gnarly inclement weather.
Now, let’s talk about the Saints’ defense, especially their run D. Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh’s running back, had to fight for every single yard against Tampa’s tough run defense last week. But guess what? He might be in for a much easier day against a Saints defense that is arguably the league’s worst against the run. Through six weeks, New Orleans is a dismal 30th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (828), dead last at 32nd in rushing touchdowns allowed (11), and 28th in average yards-per-carry allowed (4.8). The Falcons’ duo of Bijan Robinson and Brian absolutely torched them in Week 4, so you know Warren and the Steelers are eyeing that matchup. Warren’s got 84 attempts for 460 yards and a touchdown this season, and this could be his breakout game.
This Sunday, Oct. 25, at 9:30 a.m. ET, it’s Saints vs. Steelers at Stade de France in Paris. It’s the first NFL game ever in France, and with the Steelers favored by 2.5 points, all eyes will be on whether Rodgers can continue his incredible play and if Warren can exploit that Saints run defense. This game is huge for both teams, and it’s happening on the biggest stage possible. You do not want to miss this one.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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