The Pittsburgh Steelers entered Week 4 with one simple assignment — win. That’s it. Not force two turnovers. Not for Aaron Rodgers to rack up 200 passing yards. Just win. However, the Steelers did it by playing a complete game.
In a 24-21 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland, everything finally clicked. The offense looked fluid. The defense made timely stops. And for once, the Steelers looked like the balanced, physical team they were built to be.
Heading into the matchup, there was understandable concern surrounding Arthur Smith’s offense. With Jaylen Warren nursing a knee injury, many wondered how Pittsburgh would find consistency in the run game.
The ground attack had been stuck in neutral for weeks, averaging just 2.8 yards per carry entering Sunday. But all that worry evaporated thanks to one man — running back Kenneth Gainwell.
Gainwell, the fifth-year veteran who signed with the Steelers this offseason, delivered his best performance yet in black and gold. He carried the ball 19 times for 99 yards and two touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.2 yards per carry. His physical yet patient running style gave Pittsburgh’s offense something it had been missing — balance.
It wasn’t just his work on the ground that stood out, though. Gainwell added six receptions for 35 yards, serving as a reliable outlet for Rodgers and keeping drives alive with smart, efficient plays.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must find ways to incorporate Kenneth Gainwell more frequently
His performance didn’t just fill the void left by Warren’s injury — it redefined Pittsburgh’s offensive identity for the afternoon.
I’ll be honest — Gainwell’s success didn’t surprise me.
He’s always been one of those quiet, steady players who don't need the spotlight to make an impact. He built a reputation in Philadelphia as a versatile weapon who could run, catch, and pass protect. Omar Khan’s front office saw something in him when they brought him to Pittsburgh, and now that decision is paying off.
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What stood out most about Gainwell’s play in Dublin was his control. He wasn’t flashy or trying to do too much. He simply took what the defense gave him — hitting holes decisively, falling forward for extra yards, and wearing down Minnesota’s front seven with every carry.
That kind of effort brings confidence not only to the offense but to the entire team.
I would love to see Gainwell earn more carries as the season progresses. He’s proven he can handle the workload and be productive doing it. More importantly, he’s given Arthur Smith the flexibility he’s been searching for. Pittsburgh’s offense looked comfortable and confident, and that all started with Gainwell’s ability to keep the chains moving.
The Steelers may not have planned for Kenneth Gainwell to become their offensive catalyst in Week 4, but football has a way of revealing unexpected heroes. If he continues to build on this performance, he could become the missing piece in Arthur Smith’s system — the steady hand that helps the Steelers find their offensive rhythm for good.