Steelers reach 5-2 record after 16-10 win in Paris
Aaron Rodgers says the team is not playing well enough despite winning its third straight game against the New Orleans Saints.
By Gabriela Ivanov ·
The Pittsburgh Steelers allowed the New Orleans Saints only 1.1 yards per carry in a 16-10 victory Sunday in Paris, a figure that marks the lowest single-game average against the Steelers since 2015.
The win extends Pittsburgh's streak to three games and improves its record to 5-2. The team remains tied for the lead in the AFC North with seven games played.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers said the current performance level does not match the team's potential. He noted that the offense relies too heavily on field goals and penalties, and lacks enough big plays to dominate opponents.
Rodgers stated, 'We’re a 5-2 team, but we’re not playing as well as we can at this point.' He added that the group must return to practice to get healthy and improve their execution.
Running back Rico Dowdle recorded 86 total yards in his best performance of the season. His production provides a secondary option for coach Mike McCarthy, who said lining up Jaylen Warren and Dowdle together is a positive outcome for the offense.
Defensive linebacker Payton Wilson intercepted a pass from Saints quarterback Tyler Shough in the third quarter. The Steelers also forced three fumbles during the game, although New Orleans recovered all three loose balls.
Rodgers, who is 42 years old, scrambled for a first down on third-and-8 late in the fourth quarter. He said he had to make a play for his teammates after clearing the pocket.
The team travels next to host the Cleveland Browns. All five of Pittsburgh's wins this season came in games decided by one score in the fourth quarter. The opponents defeated in those contests included quarterbacks with limited recent success.
Safety DeShon Elliott returned from a knee injury and played 19 snaps. The team expects his playing time to increase in upcoming weeks if he continues to recover without setbacks.
Linebacker Patrick Queen recorded 10 tackles and a sack against New Orleans. This performance followed a game against Tampa Bay where a fan criticized his effort online, a comment Queen addressed by playing one of his best games in three seasons with Pittsburgh.
