In 2025, France welcomed 102 million international tourists, making it the world’s most visited country. On Friday morning, the Pittsburgh Steelers arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport ready for business instead of pleasure.
Mike McCarthy will coach his first international game Sunday morning against the New Orleans Saints. But did travel plans jeopardize Mike McCarthy’s international debut?
Well, the flight was eight hours long and required players to adjust to a five-hour time difference. Still, the Steelers must focus on achieving their goal. Even if Aaron Rodgers had planned travel arrangements slightly differently.
The Saints arrived Monday, giving them roughly four additional days in France. On the flip side, Pittsburgh will have roughly 55 hours standing between arrival and kickoff.
“I’ve played in three countries now and each of them we’ve left on Thursday early evening” Rodgers told reporters. “It would’ve been nice one time to come over on a Monday.”
The seasoned veteran’s response wasn’t surprising. It displayed the same candor that helped him throw three touchdown passes in consecutive games. This season, Rodgers ranks ninth in passing yards (1,487) and is tied for fifth in passing touchdowns (12). He’s surpassing expectations, but he isn’t solely responsible for Pittsburgh’s success.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must overcome tough adjustments to succeed against Saints in Paris
Pat Freiermuth’s support is stronger than ever. The former second-round pick averages 8.6 yards per reception and has already matched his touchdown total (4) from the previous campaign. He intends to keep things simple leading up to game time to ensure consistency.
“[I’m] trying to not take a nap today and just try to get a good night's sleep tonight,” Pat Freiermuth expressed.
Poor weather conditions forced McCarthy to “activate” the team using stretches, cardio, and calisthenics in the team hotel ballroom Friday morning. It was a pivot from the original plans, but it wasn’t going to interrupt Jaylen Warren’s focus. Entering Week 7, Pittsburgh’s bell cow has earned 718 scrimmage yards.
The effort is comparable to Jahmyr Gibbs (747), James Cook III (716), and Jonathan Taylor (655). No one expected that kind of production out of the former undrafted free agent. But he’d like to keep the hot streak alive.
“At the end of the day, we are here to win a game. So I don’t care how long the day is,” Warren explained.
Arriving Friday leaves Pittsburgh little room for excuses. The Saints enjoyed several additional days to adjust, while the Steelers are trusting leadership and an accelerated preparation schedule. Rodgers, Freiermuth, and Warren understand the assignment. But Sunday will reveal whether McCarthy’s gamble was calculated or costly.
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