The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into their Week 5 bye with a record of 3-1, and the franchise currently sits atop the AFC North. Pittsburgh has a two-game lead on the Baltimore Ravens, which is huge considering the fact that Pittsburgh's schedule gets harder as the season moves along. The Steelers' most recent victory came in Dublin, Ireland, as the team was able to take down the Minnesota Vikings by a score of 24-21, despite being underdogs going into the matchup in Week 4. This was an important win for the organization, and it sets the team up for success in 2025.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf (4) celebrates with Calvin Austin III (19) and Ben Skowronek (15) after a long touchdown run in Ireland against the Minnesota Vikings during Week 4 of 2025.
Pittsburgh put forth its most complete game of the 2025 season as the defense played well throughout the matchup. The group was able to keep the run in check while consistently getting pressure on the quarterback and forcing turnovers. The offense was finally able to move the ball on the ground, and the passing game was good enough to win. Minnesota's star outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard spoke to the media after the game, where he had some kind words for Pittsburgh offense and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith.
"As we've all seen, he is as advertised," Greenard said of Aaron Rodgers. "Crazy arm, obviously just getting the ball out quick. Understanding the defenses, trying to find the soft spots. They knew that we would be rushing, trying to get to him, so they just tried to get the ball out quick, throw us off, and get that run game going. They had a good game plan. I thought they executed pretty well."
Greenard had good things to say about quarterback Aaron Rodgers as well as the game plan put together by Smith. The guys on offense were able to execute well, and the group even got out to a 21-6 lead at the end of the third quarter. The offense did not turn the ball over and the running game was able to open things up in the passing game, which is something that fans have been wanting to see from Smith's offense.
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Steelers' Kenneth Gainwell runs behind Darnell Washington during a Week 4 game in the 2025 season in Dublin, Ireland.
By no means was this version of the Steelers the best version the offense can be, but it is certainly a step in the right direction. The Vikings are a quality defense with one of the best defensive coaches in the league at the helm in Brian Flores, and it is promising that the Steelers were able to put forth their most complete offensive performance of the 2025 season.
There are still areas the fans would like to see the offensive unit improve, with short yardage being one of them. For years, it has felt like every team in the league is able to pick up one-yard when given two opportunities, with the Steelers, that same confidence is just not there. Thankfully Smith finally showed some creativity in that regard by having Connor Heyward line up under center for a quarterback sneak that looked a little similar to the Philadelphia Eagles' Tush Push.
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Steelers' Arthur Smith looks on while coaching up his offense during a home game in Pittsburgh during the 2024 NFL season.
Steelers Need To Keep This Momentum Going In 2025
The defense finally found its groove in Ireland, and the offense has looked the best it has all season long. This momentum needs to carry on into the bye week, where hopefully the group will be able to get healthier to attack the final 13 games of the season. The Steelers will be back on the field in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, which is the first of two very winnable games as they will be taking on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. Those could be two huge in-division wins if the group is able to get the job done.
What do you think about Greenard's comments on the offense? Let us know in the comments below!
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