Steelers vs. Vikings: 5 Surprises in Sunday’s Win

The Steelers’ win in Dublin on Sunday was a statement to the rest of the league – none of who picked Pittsburgh to defeat the Minnesota Vikings.

The 24-21 victory wasn’t without its faults, however, it was one of the more complete games four weeks into the young 2025 season. While some players returned and others were injured during tte course of the matchup, the Steelers proved to have a deep bench while also improving their overall teamwork.

Here are five surprises from the Steelers’ win over the Vikings in Dublin that caught fans and analysts off guard.

Kenneth Gainwell breaks out in place of Jaylen Warren

With Jaylen Warren sidelined, Gainwell stepped up in a big way—rushing for 99 yards and leading the team in receptions. Gainwell would cross the goal line twice in the encounter and proved that, despite inconsistent offensive line play thus far this season, the Steelers are, in fact, capable of bullying other strong defense on the ground.

Gainwell averaged 5.2 yards-per-carry, with a 15-yard long. Overall, he led a Pittsburgh run game that accumulated 131 total yards.

DK Metcalf’s big game

The Steelers fed Metcalf the ball early and often, to the tune of the star receiver’s first 100-yard game this season. The performance was capped off by an explosive, 80-yard touchdown catch and run off of a deep slant, where Metcalf blew by the entire Vikings’ secondary for the score.

Metcalf’s final stat line saw him catch all five of his targets for 126 yards and a TD.

Aaron Rodgers’ quiet yet commanding performance

Rodgers didn’t light up the stat sheet, but he quietly completed 81.8% of his passes for 200 yards and a touchdown.

It’s the little things that gets Rodgers acknowledged here, looking like a team leader with firm command of the offense. He would take off for a run (albeit a slow, plodding gain), call off the special teams unit, and even chip a shoulder in for a block on a run play.

The most surprising moment in the game involving Rodgers didn’t involve him either, as Connor Heyward took a direct snap for a “tush push” on a fourth down play. Rodgers stood, with his hands on his hips and well away from danger, as the offense ran the surprise play.

Defensive feast despite yardage

Looking at the final score and seeing Vikings QB Carson Wentz throw for 350 yards doesn’t speak to a strong defensive performance. Yet, for a unit facing adversity with both injuries and many new players learning the schemes, it was a giant step forward for the Steelers.

The Steelers sacked Wentz six times throughout the game, with breakout play from Keeanu Benton and Nick Herbig, who each had a sack and a half. T.J. Watt contributed splash plays as well, with a sack and an interception.

There could’ve been more, as Teryl Austin’s blitz packages were dialed in. Jalen Ramsey had an early fumble return for a touchdown called back, and reserve cornerback James Pierre had a near interception that was overturned by inches via replay. They also held the Vikings to 4-of-14 on third downs and a Steelers season-low, 70 rushing yards (by an opponent).

The overall feeling is that the Steelers defense turned the page Sunday, even with some miscues, including a late game push by the Vikings.

They never make it easy

The aforementioned Aaron Rodgers confidence and leadership called into question head coach Mike Tomlin‘s decision making, as if he’s allowing the inmates to run the asylum. A late call to go for it on 4th-and-Goal from the three yard line resulted in no points, but no one expected Minnesota to drive 99 yards and make it a game.

The fourth down play call was dubious, especially executing a run versus a pass. The Steelers offense was unable to gain a game-sealing fourth down on offense as well, which sent punter Corliss Waitman out to boot the ball so it would not be returned.

While the defense almost ended it within plays later, the game was still a nail biter until the end, when the defense put pressure on Wentz and forced the Vikings to turn the ball over on downs.