Behind the Steel Curtain
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Steelers Week 7 grades in win over Saints
The Steelers improve to 5-2 after a 16-10 victory over the Saints in Paris, earning mixed grades from Behind the Steel Curtain. Aaron Rodgers gets a B+ from Bailey and a C from Bray, praised for a clutch 51‑yard pass to DK Metcalf and a late scramble but noted for limited passing volume. Jaylen Warren shines with 101 rushing yards, 36 receiving yards and earns A and A+ grades, becoming the first RB since 2019 to reach 550+ rush and 250+ receiving yards in seven games. Rico Dowdle provides solid support with 41 rushing yards and six catches, receiving B grades. The offense improves on line play but still struggles in the red zone, earning C‑ grades. T.J. Watt’s edge rush continues to excel.
Steelers’ Mike McCarthy praises jumbo package, OL Spencer Anderson
Mike McCarthy credits the Steelers’ revived jumbo package for the 16-10 win over the Saints on Oct. 26, 2026, noting its roots in the successful 2025 scheme. Utility lineman Spencer Anderson starred, logging 13 snaps—12 rushing plays—for 77 yards at 6.4 yards per carry, including three runs of nine-plus yards. McCarthy praised Anderson’s versatility, comparing him to Conner McGovern, and said his injury‑limited role early in the season delayed the package’s use. With Brock Hoffman now the starter at right guard, the Steelers intend to keep finding ways to employ Anderson’s unique skill set.
Former Steelers safety signs with Ravens
Former Steelers safety Rayshawn Jenkins signs with the Baltimore Ravens, marking his third AFC North stint after playing 17 games for the Browns in 2025. Jenkins, who joined Pittsburgh in training camp and appeared in six games before being released following a subpar performance against the Cleveland Browns, heads to Baltimore as the Ravens seek to rebound from back‑to‑back divisional defeats, including a 35-13 loss to the Bengals in Week 7.
Steelers UDFA rookie emerges as diamond in the rough vs. Saints.
Undrafted rookie defensive tackle Kevin Jobity Jr. makes a splash for the Steelers in Week 7 against the Saints in Paris, becoming the 11th rookie to crack the 53-man roster. Despite the Steelers' D‑line being shorthanded after Derrick Harmon and Sebastian Joseph‑Day land on IR, Jobity saw his first 15 NFL snaps, contributing on kickoff coverage and posting solid blocks. At 6‑4, 308 lb, he posted an 8.87 athletic score, a 1.69‑second 10‑yard split and a 32‑inch vertical, and even forced a scramble from QB Tyler Shough. Coach Domata Peko’s mentorship may help him solidify a regular role.
The Steelers’ defense has reached elite territory
After a dismal 2025 where the Steelers ranked near the bottom in defensive EPA and yards allowed, the 2026 unit has vaulted into elite territory. Through seven weeks they sit tied for 6th in defensive EPA per play, allow the 6th-fewest yards per game, and are 2nd in DVOA against the run behind Patrick Graham’s scheme change. Since Week 5 they’ve surrendered just three touchdowns, a league‑best run success rate, and only 5.67 yards per pass attempt. Highlights include Patrick Queen’s 10‑tackle, sack‑filled performance against the Saints and Jaylen Warren’s 101 rushing yards plus 36 receiving yards. With T.J. Watt back among the top pass rushers, Pittsburgh’s defense now matches its improving offense as a genuine contender.
Steelers news: The AFC North is a dogfight
The Steelers extend their winning run with a third straight victory, beating the New Orleans Saints in Paris and improving to 5-2, the longest streak in the AFC North. Despite the surge, they sit second behind the Browns, who hold the tiebreaker after a Week 4 win. Pittsburgh’s defense limited the Saints to just 18 rushing yards, and a home showdown with Cleveland next week could clinch the division. The article also previews QB draft prospects, playoff implications, and fan discussion forums.
5 takeaways from the Steelers’ 16-10 win over the Saints in Paris
The Steelers edge the Saints 16-10 in Paris, improving to 5-2 and tying the Browns atop the AFC North. Jaylen Warren proves his value, rushing for 101 yards on 18 carries and tallying 136 total yards, while Rico Dowdle adds 86 yards and a reliable change‑of‑pace role. Pittsburgh’s defense holds firm, despite a late Saints drive and a penalty that erased a potential field goal. The win keeps the division race tight, with the upcoming Steelers‑Browns showdown set to decide the AFC North lead. The article also notes the shift from zone to power‑gap run schemes and the balanced 60‑40 split between Warren and Dowdle.
Steelers stay put in AFC playoff picture after win over Saints
The Steelers extend their winning streak to three, beating the New Orleans Saints 16-10 in the NFL’s inaugural Paris game and improving to 5-2. Meanwhile, the Browns upset the Titans with a last‑second field goal, keeping the AFC North race tight as Cleveland (5-2) and Pittsburgh (5-2) vie for the division lead. Pittsburgh sits as the No. 6 seed behind the Broncos, while the AFC playoff picture features the Chiefs (5‑0) and Bills (5‑1) atop the standings. The Steelers host the Browns next week in a pivotal matchup.
Steelers finally find success on third down in win over Saints
The Steelers snapped their third‑down woes with a season‑high 10 conversions on 16 attempts in a 16‑10 win over the New Orleans Saints in Paris. Pittsburgh’s ground game dominated, rushing for 148 yards on 18 carries (8.2 y/d) and sustaining drives of 8–14 plays. Aaron Rodgers sparked the offense with a 51‑yard catch to DK Metcalf on 3rd‑and‑14, leading to a Darnell Washington TD. The team ran the ball on third down seven times, converting six, and improved from being 28th in EPA to first in the division at 5‑2. Despite missed red‑zone opportunities, the efficient offense showcased the Steelers’ resurgence.
Steelers stock report after Week 7 win over Saints
The Steelers beat the Saints 16‑10 in the NFL’s first Paris game, moving to 5‑2. RB Jaylen Warren shines with 101 yards on 18 carries (5.6 ypc) and three catches, while TE Darnell Washington scores the lone touchdown on a 6‑7‑inches fade. Pittsburgh’s “bend‑don’t‑break” defense limits New Orleans to 10 points and just 18 rushing yards, despite two near‑call fumbles. However, the offense stalls in the red zone, settling for three field goals and a costly drop by TE Pat Freiermuth, raising concerns about turning drives into touchdowns as the season progresses.
BTSC Sunday NFL games thread: Week 7
After a very early Steelers-Saints game, the rest of the NFL’s Week 7 Sunday slate is upon us. Hang out at BTSC for the rest of the day’s games: Who are you rooting for? What are you watching for? Let us know here at Behind the Steel Curtain.
Steelers punish Saints on the ground, win 16-10 in Paris
The Pittsburgh Steelers clinch a third straight win, edging the New Orleans Saints 16-10 in Paris. Aaron Rodgers throws his 540th career touchdown pass—a record‑breaking strike that moves him past Peyton Manning into third place—all while the Steelers dominate on the ground, out‑rushing the Saints 148‑18. Jaylen Warren piles up 101 rushing yards, and the defense forces a crucial red‑zone interception by Payton Wilson. Pittsburgh finishes 5‑2, tied for the AFC lead, and looks to improve to 6‑2 against the Browns next week.
Aaron Rodgers passes Peyton Manning on all-time touchdowns list
Aaron Rodgers eclipses Peyton Manning on the NFL’s all‑time touchdown list, throwing his 540th TD pass to Darnell Washington in the Steelers’ 10‑3 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 7. The milestone moves Rodgers into third place, 31 touchdowns behind Drew Brees and well behind Tom Brady’s record 649. The article highlights the historic feat amid the Steelers’ recent matchup and notes upcoming topics like new uniform debuts and key players to watch.
Steelers vs. Saints: Week 7 game chat
The Steelers (4-2) face the Saints (2-4) in an NFL Week 7 International Game at Stade de France in Paris, kicking off at 9:30 a.m. EST. Pittsburgh, sitting second in the AFC North, aims to protect its title chase, while New Orleans looks to rebound in the NFC South. The matchup streams on NFL Network and NFL+, with additional coverage on Steelers.com. The post also links to related Steelers news, including a defensive lineman on IR, a cancelled Paris fan event, Jalen Ramsey’s AFC Defensive Player of the Week honor, and T.J. Watt’s wife’s comments about the Paris game.
Steelers vs. Saints: Alternate game chat
Welcome to the alternate game thread for the week. Enjoy your breakfast and coffee with some AM football. Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
Steelers vs. Saints tailgate thread
Calling all early risers! The Steelers and Saints kick off across the pond in a few hours. Here’s the place to talk any last-minute predictions, news and more. Get your fantasy football lineups set up, start planning lunch, and get your last French DuoLingo session of the week in —it’s almost kickoff.
How to watch Steelers vs. Saints
The Pittsburgh Steelers face the New Orleans Saints in a Week 7 showdown at Paris' Stade de France on Oct. 25, 2026, kicking off at 9:30 AM EST. The Saints (2‑4) come off a 34‑27 win over the Giants, while the Steelers (4‑2) fresh from a 26‑19 overtime victory against the Buccaneers. Fans can catch the game live on NFL Network. The article also teases new Steelers uniform combos, key play strategies, and player spotlights.
Saturday Night Open Thread: Un match a Paris
The Saturday Night Open Thread (SNOT) from Behind the Steel Curtain kicks off from Delaware with a live pre‑game chat ahead of the Steelers’ early‑morning clash against the New Orleans Saints in Paris. Host NAS204PSU invites fans to discuss the team’s recent comeback win over Tampa Bay, injury concerns, favorite French treats, and a quirky question about MVS and Aaron. A playful “Am I The JagOff?” feature and a Jimmy Buffet soundtrack round out the interactive thread.
Steelers to debut new uniform combo in Paris game vs. Saints
The Pittsburgh Steelers will debut a fresh uniform combo in the NFL’s inaugural Paris game, facing the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France on Sunday morning, Oct. 24, 2026. While keeping the traditional white away jersey, they will pair it with black pants featuring a gold side stripe—a look usually reserved for their color‑rush kits, marking a rare departure from their classic gold‑pants style. Edge rusher Nick Herbig praised the chance to showcase the sport on a global stage and wear the new kit. The matchup, the league’s first in Paris, has fans and players buzzing about both the historic venue and the Steelers’ new look.
Steelers keys to victory vs. Saints: Get Jaylen Warren the ball
The Steelers aim for a 5-2 record in Week 7, traveling to Paris to face the 2-4 Saints. With a playoff odds boost—80% of teams that start 5-2 make the postseason—their game plan hinges on a heavy rush attack, especially giving ball‑carrying back Jaylen Warren more touches to exploit New Orleans’ league‑worst rush defense. They also must adjust to the Saints’ frequent single‑high coverage and improve their third‑down efficiency, where they currently rank last in EPA and success rate. A win would position Pittsburgh atop the AFC North before their Week 9 bye. (Published Oct. 24, 2026, Behind the Steel Curtain)
NFL Predictions: Will Steelers get back to feeding Jaylen Warren vs. Saints?
The Steelers face the Saints Sunday at 9:30 a.m. EST in Paris, with FanDuel listing Pittsburgh as 3‑point favorites (-168) and a 44.5 total. The preview highlights three value props: Jaylen Warren anytime TD at -120, Aaron Rodgers over 0.5 rushing yards at -140, and rookie Germie Bernard over 53.5 receiving yards at -114. All three combine for a +475 parlay. The article also notes the Saints’ weak run defense and key Steelers injuries, making the matchup a prime betting opportunity.
Friday Night Happy Hour: European vacation edition
Welcome to BTSC’s Friday night open thread: Tonight’s song rec: Probably my favorite track off the new Fontaines DC album:
Steelers to take things slow with DeShon Elliott
The Steelers plan to activate safety DeShon Elliott for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints in Paris, but will limit him to roughly 50% of defensive snaps as he recovers from a season‑long knee injury. Rookie safety Robert Spears‑Jennings, a seventh‑round pick, will continue to see rotation time, reflecting the coaches’ confidence in his development. Elliott’s gradual return aims to bolster the secondary while the team balances veteran health with rookie growth.
Germie Bernard’s production is here to stay for the Steelers
In Week 7, rookie wideout Germie Bernard proves his worth for the Steelers, climbing to second among rookies with 24 catches and 17 coming in the last two games after injuries sidelined Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson. Bernard’s 11‑reception, 87‑yard, overtime‑game‑winning performance against Tampa Bay earned praise from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who now trusts him as a primary target in a pass‑heavy offense (233 attempts, fifth‑most in the league). With his seamless route running and high‑school Alabama experience, Bernard could become a contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year and solidify his spot even after the injured receivers return.
Aaron Rodgers wishes the Steelers left for Paris sooner
Aaron Rodgers says the Steelers should have arrived in Paris earlier, noting the New Orleans Saints have been there since Monday. The Steelers flew in on a Thursday redeye and face the Saints on Friday, hoping to improve their 5-2 record and climb to the No. 3 AFC seed. Rodgers, who’s now played in three countries, expressed wishful timing via Mike DeFabo. The team’s recent overseas experience includes a 2025 win in Dublin against the Vikings. Other headlines mention injuries, roster moves, and a cancelled fan event in Paris.
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