Monday, September 22
Making it work: There is a feeling of excitement in the Steelers locker room this week as the team is preparing to play the first ever regular season NFL game in Dublin, Ireland.
The team will take on the Minnesota Vikings, and linebacker T.J. Watt is pumped for it.
"I'm really excited," said Watt. "Obviously, the Rooney family is huge over there. I'm just looking forward to seeing the fans over there and spreading the game. It's going to be fun.
"I'm trying to get as much rest as possible. Hopefully I can sleep on the flight over there. And just try to enjoy the culture and try to soak it up as much as possible because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity."
It doesn't hurt that the Steelers are coming off a 21-14 win over the New England Patriots as they prepare for the game, with the defense having a performance that included five sacks and five takeaways.
Watt himself accounted for two of those sacks, his first two of the 2025 season.
Watt said the pass rush worked because they made it tough on Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, mixing things up effectively so they could get home to him.
"We knew early on in the game that he had trouble diagnosing coverages," said Watt. "We just threw a different mix of things at him that made him hold the ball and we were able to get home.
"Obviously, the guys in the back did a great job. The guys up front just did really well. I think D-Harm (Derrick Harmon) had a great game for the reps that he had. Cam Heyward was a force. Obviously, Herb (Nick Herbig) was rushing the passer really well as well.
"We always want to get home. We do. Some weeks it just doesn't happen. Obviously, you want it to happen each and every week. We feel like we've had a unit for a lot of years here, where you look and you see three, four, sometimes six, seven sacks in a game and we haven't been doing that lately. So, it feels better to be able to get five on the board and be able contribute as a front."
The defense also had four forced fumbles and an interception, something where film study benefited them.
"It's an interesting thing," said Watt. "We work turnover circuit every day, every week. We always preach the culture. This week, the only difference was that we actually had some victims that have fumbled a lot. So that was definitely more of a point of emphasis."
Bringing the pressure: The Steelers pass rush put plenty of pressure on Patriots quarterback Drake Maye on Sunday, coming up with five sacks.
It's something they have been aiming for all season and to have it come to fruition was something that got them going early.
"It was big," said linebacker Payton Wilson. "Obviously, that's kind of the identity we live behind here. Win early, get them to a pass down situation and let them pin their ears back and hopefully get some splash for us.
"Whether that's a sack, whether that's pressure and so we get a pick, it was big-time.
"It was really cool to get back to the identity here. Win on first down, get some sacks, make some splash plays. That's kind of the identity around here. It was really good. Obviously, some things to clean up still, but it's trending in the right direction."
The defense also played stronger against the run, with 'smashing the run' the theme they have taken to heart week in and week out.
"That's what we've been preaching," said Wilson. "Everybody just do their job, be in their gap, play their assignment. Everybody was definitely more locked in on it.
"We've given up a lot of rush yards in the past two games, but just continuing to be assignment sound, focusing on it throughout the week. And when we get there, just executing it, not talking about it all week and kind of just letting it dwindle away, just continuing to execute."
The key this week will be putting it all together on a schedule that will differ from what they have become accustomed to with a game in Dublin, Ireland on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
While it could disrupt a player's schedule, Wilson said the preparation they take throughout the year should help battle that.
"I think Coach Mike Tomlin, when we're in training camp, does a good job of switching venue, or switching routine, because he knows that stuff like this presents itself," said Wilson. "So, I don't think it changes too much.
"Obviously, the long flight. But when we get there, we've got to practice. We got to treat it the same way, like where we're back at home and prepare and go out there and get a W."
Wilson said he looks forward to the opportunity, which will be a huge change for him.
"I've never been out of the country," said Wilson. "So, this will be my first time. It's a dream come true. It's surreal to be able to travel across the country, go to battle with these guys that you love here, that you fight with every day. It's going to be pretty cool."
Take a look at the best photos from the Week 3 game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) an during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Slay (23) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jabrill Peppers (40) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Juan Thornhill (22) Pittsburgh Steelers safety Juan Thornhill (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Chuck Clark (21) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Chuck Clark (21) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jabrill Peppers (40) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo (73) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Chuck Clark (21) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Slay (23) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Slay (23) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Slay (23) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale (96) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76), Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo (73) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale (96) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jabrill Peppers (40) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Sermon (37) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) psduring a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76), Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66), Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54), Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo (73) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jabrill Peppers (40) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale (96) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54), Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2), Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers warm up during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97), Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Foxborough, MA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
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