Steelers Conquer Paris: 5-2, AFC North Leaders

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – From Aaron Rodgers legs to Darnell Washington and Payton Wilson’s hands here are the key plays from the Steelers 16-10 win over the Saints in Paris on Sunday morning.

Steelers are now 5-2 and in first place in the AFC North.

Wrestled away

Aaron Rodgers threw a 50-50 ball in the front corner of the end zone to Darnell Washington in what ended up being the Steelers only touchdown. The throw was about shoulder-level for the 6’7” tight end who had to take it away from Saints defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry while still being able to toe-tap to keep his feet inbounds for a 4-yard touchdown.

Rodgers run in 5:18 drive

Saints had just used a first timeout with 2:49 to play and the Steelers facing a 3^rd and 6. Rodgers back to pass, had to scramble around in the pocket, saw a lane and ran 8 yards for a first down. Rodgers had 17 yards rushing on the season, but that scramble allowed for the Steelers to seal the game, killing the last 5:18 of the game. Those eight yards leave Rodgers 15 yards shy of Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton for eighth place on the all-time rushing yards list by a quarterback in NFL history.

Walk on FG

Trying to get points before the end of the first half, Rodgers sacked on third down with 19 seconds left and no timeouts. The field goal unit ran on with no flaws with a perfect snap from Christian Kuntz to holder Cameron Johnston and Chris Boswell split the uprights from 47 yards as the Steelers led 13-10 at the half.

Payton pick

Saints driving with a couple of third down conversions, down in the Steelers red zone, linebacker Payton Wilson with a fingertip interception on a pass intended for Chris Olave. Wilson jumped the route with a diving pick. Earlier in the series, Wilson was called for a 15-yard personal foul.

3rd down FG

Third down conversions of an 11-yard pass to Pat Freiermuth, a Warren 5-yard run and Rodgers rollout to his left to hit Brandon Smith, called up from the practice squad, to make a diving catch of 14 yards. Rodgers was sacked on the final third down and Boswell kicked a 39-yard field goal.

Opening 3

A 29-yard run by Jaylen Warren was part of three carries for 43 yards on the Steelers opening drive that led to an early 28-yard Boswell field goal. Kaden Wetjen had a career-long 35-yard return to start the drive at the 39-yard line and the drive ended on an incomplete fade route to DK Metcalf on 3^rd and 2, where the Steelers felt there was pass interference.

Over the shoulder

3^rd and 14 on their own 45-yard line, Rodgers moved a little left in the pocket as DK Metcalf was streaking down the center of the field and dropped a 51-pass that Metcalf caught over the shoulder to the Saints 4.

Move over Manning

Rodgers TD to Washington moved the 42-year-old past Payton Manning for third on the NFL all-time passing touchdown list with 540. It was the 37^th as a Pittsburgh Steeler. Drew Brees is second (571) to Tom Brady (649).

Spencer extra

First drive featured a new look this season that looked familiar from the Arthur Smith offense last year, Spencer Anderson out as an extra offensive lineman. Anderson started the first two games at right guard in his fourth NFL season.

Field flipping

Saints offense wasn’t doing much, early in the second quarter Barion Brown beat Jamel Dean down the field and Tyler Shough found him for a 49-yard reception to the Steelers 33-yard line. TJ Watt had was called a strip sack on second down, but replay showed Shough’s knee was down before the ball came out. Steelers would get a stop on third down to force a 38-yard tying field from Daniel Carlson.

Forced fumbles TD drive

On the Saints touchdown drive the Steelers twice forced a fumble. First-as Shough was diving for the end zone, Jamel Dean punched the ball out, but the ball rolled out of bounds. Second was on third-and-goal from the one-yard line Kendre Miller was fighting for the end zone as Patrick Queen was tackling him, Cam Heyward knocked the ball free and the Steelers recovered. Replay showed Miller was down and Saints threw a touchdown pass to Devaughn Vele on fourth and goal.

Stats

• Aaron Rodgers 19-30 for 212 yards, TD
• Jaylen Warren 18 rushes for 101 yards, 3 receptions for 36 yards
• Rico Dowdle 9 rushes for 41 yards, 6 receptions for 45 yards
• DK Metcalf 2 catches for 56 yards
• Patrick Queen 10 tackles (7 solo)
• Jamel Dean & Asante Samuel, Junior 7 tackles (6 solo) each