Aaron Rodgers, Steelers Escape With Win Over Saints in Paris

The Pittsburgh Steelers held off the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in Paris, escaping with a 16-10 victory.

Aaron Rodgers had a great game, completing 19 of 30 passes for 212 yards, a touchdown, and zero interceptions. He had a key rush on 3rd-and-6, running for eight yards to pick up the first down, extending their drive. After an offsides penalty on the Saints on a field goal attempt, the Steelers were able to kneel it out and win the game.

Pittsburgh is now 5-2 on the season and in the mix to win the AFC North for a second straight year. 

The offense did enough despite being without key wideouts Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson. The running backs led the way as Jaylen Warren rushed for 101 yards on 18 carries while catching three passes for 36 yards. Rico Dowdle ran for 41 yards on nine carries and caught six passes for 45 yards.

The Steelers' defense played at a high level, holding the Saints to 10 points and stifling their run game. New Orleans rushed for just 18 yards on 17 carries. 

Payton Wilson picked off Tyler Shough and also had six total tackles and a pass deflection in the game. Patrick Queen and TJ Watt both recorded sacks, putting pressure on Shough.

Pittsburgh has shown early this season that they have a strong offense and defense despite some inconsistent performances. In Mike McCarthy's first season as the Steelers' head coach, there is a lot of hope that they can win the division and make it back into the postseason.

Rodgers, at 42 years old, has been a major factor in their success. He came back for one more season before retirement and is playing at an elite level. Through seven games, he has completed 61.6 percent of his passes for 1,699 yards, 13 touchdowns, and five interceptions.

The four-time MVP should only get better when Pittman and Wilson return. Warren has also been great for the offense, as he's quietly been one of the best running backs in football, rushing for 561 yards and a touchdown, along with 24 receptions for 294 yards and a touchdown. 

The Steelers have strong talent on their roster, and if they are buyers at the trade deadline, they have the potential to become Super Bowl contenders in Rodgers' last season and McCarthy's first in Pittsburgh.