Steelers reach 5-2 but Rodgers insists team is still a work in progress

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-10 in Paris on Sunday, securing their third consecutive win to improve their record to 5-2. Despite the victory, which tied them atop the AFC North, quarterback Aaron Rodgers stated that the team is not yet performing at its full potential.

Rodgers identified specific areas for improvement, citing an over-reliance on field goals, a lack of touchdown scoring, excessive penalties, and a shortage of chunk plays. The 42-year-old quarterback, who is two months away from turning 43, emphasized that the team must play better on the field to match their standing in the league. He described the win as a gutsy effort but noted the need to return, get healthy, and elevate the level of play.

Offensive production provided a partial solution through the running game. Rico Dowdle recorded 86 total offensive yards, marking his best performance of the season. Head coach Mike McCarthy noted that having both Dowdle and starter Jaylen Warren available for extended snaps is a positive development for the offense. This balance may reduce pressure on Warren, who has been the team’s most productive player through the first seven weeks.

The Steelers also forced three fumbles against the Saints, all of which New Orleans recovered. Linebacker Payton Wilson recorded an interception in the third quarter, ending a scoring threat deep in Pittsburgh territory. The defense limited the Saints to 1.1 yards per carry on the ground, the lowest single-game average allowed by Pittsburgh since 2015. Safety DeShon Elliott returned from a knee injury and played 19 snaps.

The team’s schedule ahead presents a different challenge. The Steelers host the Cleveland Browns next week. All five of Pittsburgh’s wins this season have come in games decided by one score entering the fourth quarter. The quarterbacks defeated in those games included Daniel Jones, Cooper Rush, Jalon Daniels, and Tyler Shough. The next test will be against a more stable offense, with Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals expected to have refined their strategy following a rematch in a few weeks.

Rodgers expressed frustration with the logistics of the international game, criticizing the team’s late Thursday departure for Paris. He hopes the NFL will require teams to arrive earlier for future international contests. The game proceeded despite civil unrest in Paris and other French cities. The Steelers’ next complete performance is a goal for the coaching staff, as they aim to move beyond winning close games against less established opponents.