Today, 78,512 people filled the historic Croke Park to watch the first-ever NFL game played in Ireland, where the Steelers beat the Vikings 24-21. The first half was an eventful and fast-paced period; both teams stayed relatively conservative in their play calling. The primary highlight of the half was a DK Metcalf 80-yard touchdown reception, where he covered roughly 67 yards on his own after he caught the ball on a slant in the middle of the field. Other than that, both teams have somewhat methodically pushed the ball down the field through medium-level passes or quick screen plays, with the attempt to push the ball to the outside to maximise yards-after-catch (YAC) potential.
With that being said, Pittsburgh has put a clear emphasis on targeting the star player Metcalf, who was targeted four times in the first half – equal to the total amount of targets he received last week vs. the New England Patriots. Through the first half, Metcalf had four receptions totalling 122 yards and a touchdown score. Special teams stood out as well, with last week’s star Isaiah Rodgers blocking a 30-yard field goal attempt by Steelers’ Chris Boswell. At Friday’s press conference, the University Times asked Rodgers what it has been like to play within the Vikings’ defensive scheme, and he emphasised the importance of playing aggressive defence. Rodgers said, “Shoutout to the coaching staff… You know we practised the ‘peanut punch’ and different ways to punch the ball out depending on where you are and the point of attack on the ball.” The practice clearly paid off on special teams.
While the Vikings put together an impressive two-minute drill to close the period, they were unable to capitalise with a touchdown in the red zone. However, they played a competitive half and were able to keep the game within one score, as the half ended with the Steelers leading 14-6.
The second half started somewhat slow, but the Steelers picked up their defensive intensity, sending more blitzes from different spots on the defence. These exotic blitzes led to multiple sacks, where ultimately, on third and long, Steelers star linebacker TJ Watt intercepted a Carson Wentz checkdown attempt. He promptly celebrated by punting the ball into the stands.
Off the turnover, the Steelers were able to capitalise, primarily in the run game, and especially up the middle between the tackles. Their short, yet efficient 35-yard drive was capped off by a Kenneth Gainwell rushing touchdown–his second touchdown score of the day. Gainwell was given the starting nod after running back Jaylen Warren (knee) was ruled out earlier this afternoon.
After the score, the Vikings had an initially promising kick return from Myles Price, which was ultimately called back due to a holding during the return. This stifled all momentum and ultimately led to a sack-laden drive, where Wentz was again sacked to force a punt. The Steelers’ pass rush was dominant all game long, totalling six sacks and nine tackles for loss.
Near the halfway mark in the fourth quarter, Minnesota was able to get its offence going through quick-hitters down the field, capping off the drive with an impressive 16-yard Zavier Scott toe-tap touchdown reception. This sparked a momentum shift, where in the following drive, they took a huge goal-line stand to hold Pittsburgh scoreless after stopping running back Kaleb Johnson on the one-yard line. Subsequently, the Vikings took advantage of blown coverage downfield, and QB Carson Wentz took advantage by delivering a strike to Jordan Addison for 81 yards, which ultimately led to a Jalen Nailor touchdown off of play action.
After another Steelers drive stalled, the Vikings got the ball back at their own 20-yard line with a chance to tie or take the lead. On the first play of said drive, Wentz threw a near interception of the game into the arms of defensive back James Pierre, though it was ruled incomplete upon further review. However, the Steelers’ defence held fast through the remainder of the drive, with the help of an intentional ground play from Wentz.
While the Vikings made it extremely interesting, the Steelers prevailed, with the final score being 24-21, improving to 3-1 on the season, and winning the first-ever NFL game in Ireland.
With additional reporting by Harper Alderson
