The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to move to 3-1 after beating the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season. The game took place in Dublin, Ireland, and the Steelers were in control for most of the contest. The final score of the matchup was 24-21, as Minnesota was able to mount a late comeback in the fourth quarter as Pittsburgh was leading 21-6 after 45 minutes of game time. The clash wound up being a lot closer than it should have been, but it was still a great victory for the Black and Gold, as they head into their bye week.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin walks into Croke Park for Pittsburgh's game against the Vikings in Ireland during the 2025 season.
The win over the Vikings was by far the Steelers' most complete team performance of the 2025 season thus far. The offense was able to move the ball efficiently, both on the ground and through the air, while the defense played its best game, forcing two turnovers and sacking the opposing quarterback six times. The defense also played its best game against the run, as they allowed less than 100 yards for the first time during the 2025 campaign.
The game got close at the end, and Payton Wilson made what was arguably a game-saving tackle, as he was able to chase down Jordan Addison after a busted coverage from Pittsburgh's defense. Safety DeShon Elliott spoke about Wilson's efforts on the most recent episode of The Christian Kuntz Podcast, where he had some words for Addison.
"I was going to say, Jordan Addison, you should be ashamed of yourself," Elliott said. "Payton's a freak athlete, but I'm saying to have that 15 to 20-yard gap and have Payton come and catch you bro. I know in their locker room, or in that meeting, oh they were killing him. Rest of the year, they're killing him. Madden might bring his speed down because of that."
The play Elliott was referencing was an 81-yard completion to Addison with just over three minutes remaining in the game, while Minnesota was only down 10 points. The Vikings had no timeouts left, so Wilson's tackle was able to shed more time off of the clock in a close game. The Vikings did not score until there was just over two minutes remaining, therefore Wilson chasing Addison down took an additional minute off of the game clock.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Payton Wilson runs for a touchdown after the defense caused a turnover against the Bengals in Week 13 of the 2024 season.
Wilson has been criticized some for his play to start the 2025 season, but he certainly had his best performance of the year against Minnesota. His role has changed some from what it was during the 2024 season, as he is now more of an every-down linebacker. During his rookie year, he was mostly on the field in obvious passing situations. He has struggled some when it comes to defending the run, but he seems to be improving and his tackle on Addison could be the play of the season for Pittsburgh's defense so far.
Steelers Are Getting More From Second-Year Linebacker Payton Wilson
Wilson tallied his highest tackle total of the 2025 season in Week 4. He was also able to register two tackles in the backfield while hitting the quarterback once, which is something the franchise needs more of from its inside linebackers. This game was a step in the right direction for Wilson, which is something he can hopefully build on following the bye week.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers middle linebackers Payton Wilson (41) and Patrick Queen (6) during training camp in 2025.
Patrick Queen has also stepped his game and is playing more like the Steelers expected him to after signing him to a big contract during the 2024 offseason. Pittsburgh needs solid play from its two inside linebackers, as if Queen and Wilson play well, that means the defense is probably in a good spot as a whole.
What do you think about Elliott's remarks on Wilson's chase down tackle? Let us know in the comments below!
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