STEELERS WEEK 4: AN IRISH GOODBYE

The Pittsburgh Steelers traveled to Dublin, Ireland to face the Minnesota Vikings — a matchup I admitted last week probably wouldn’t go very well.

 

Well, I’m happy to report I was wrong.

 

The Steelers actually won the game. But let’s be honest: it wouldn’t be a Pittsburgh Steelers win if it didn’t nearly cause a heart attack and get way too close for comfort. They held the lead all game, then suddenly let it shrink to a one-score margin.

 

Here’s the thing, though: that’s when Mike Tomlin is at his best.

 

A fact that most people don’t even realize? Tomlin has the most wins in NFL history in one-score games. His career record in those situations is 99–61–2, good for a 61.7% winning percentage — the best mark in the league. Since Ben Roethlisberger retired, Tomlin is 24–11 in one-score games.

 

So for everyone who doubts him — imagine going 19 years without a single losing season and still having fans calling for your job. The man wins tight games, period.

 

Sure, it’s fair to be frustrated that the Steelers haven’t hoisted a Lombardi since 2009. For years, it was Super Bowl or bust in Pittsburgh. Now it feels more like winning season or bust. But still, that consistency matters.

 

Let’s get into the positives from Sunday morning in Dublin:

 

The running game came alive.

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The Steelers haven’t run the ball effectively in ages, but Kenneth Gainwell finally sparked the ground attack with 99 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

 

The defense keeps forcing turnovers.

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After forcing five last week, Pittsburgh added two more against Minnesota. This wasn’t a fluke — the defense is starting to look like itself again.

 

The pass rush showed up.

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I said last week that facing backup QB Carson Wentz was Pittsburgh’s best hope. They proved me right, sacking him six times.

 

This is Steelers football: running the ball, playing defense, and winning ugly if they have to. Of course, it’d be nice if they pulled off a victory without it coming down to the final drive and giving their fans heart palpitations.

 

But a win is a win. The Steelers are 3–1 and sit atop the AFC North.

 

Now it’s time for the Irish goodbye — heading quietly into their bye week before returning October 12th to face the Cleveland Browns at home.