Despite holding a 2-1 record heading into Week 4 of the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have not looked good. Their offense has been inconsistent, and their defense has allowed too many yards. While they have shown the capability to secure victories against lesser opponents, their approach in the initial three games of the season is unlikely to maintain long-term success.
Things could get ugly in a hurry.
Predictions have started to sour against the Steelers as they haven't been able to produce strong play consistently. They have plenty of red flags across their roster, and it could appear in Ireland against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4 of the schedule. Crossing the Atlantic may present an additional problem, as the time difference could impact either team’s performance.
The Vikings don’t have their starting quarterback, but their offense has a great coach and plenty of weapons all over the field. They also have a strong offensive line, which should slow down the Steelers' pass rush. Minnesota’s defense is aggressive in pressuring the passer, and with Pittsburgh’s offensive line struggling so far, they may have difficulty protecting Aaron Rodgers.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 4 of the season's predictions have a mixed reaction
"It's tough to be completely confident with an international game. Ultimately, the Steelers should be able to contain the Vikings with Carson Wentz at QB, but how will Aaron Rodgers handle Brian Flores' blitz schemes on the other side? Low scoring early, fireworks late, Pittsburgh finds a way down the stretch." - Jacob Harrison (Steelers 27-24)
"In Week 3, the Steelers were outgained in every statistical category against the Patriots except one—takeaways. While we should expect improvements from Pittsburgh as the season goes on, we can't expect them to dominate the turnover battle like they did against New England. Meanwhile, the Vikings are coming off an effortless 48-10 win over the Bengals. The Steelers will want this one for their fans overseas, but I have Mike Tomlin's team losing a close contest." - Tommy Jaggi (Vikings 20-17)
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"By all accounts, the Steelers should beat the Vikings this week. However, Pittsburgh is playing a bad brand of football, and we have seen overseas games constantly be a thorn in the side of this team." - Andrew Falce (Vikings 28-17)
"The Pittsburgh Steelers get the job done in front of a loud Ireland crowd. Aaron Rodgers carries the Yinzers past a tough Minnesota defense. Terryl Austin’s defense holds on long enough for Pittsburgh to earn their second straight win." - Loyal Ricks Jr. (Steelers 24-10)
"The Steelers and Vikings enter their Dublin battle each sporting a 2-1 record, but Minnesota is the favorite for a reason. Familiar foe Brian Flores will be looking to show Mike Tomlin what he missed out on, and ultimately, the Steelers offense won't be able to score enough to keep it close. Vikings roll early and come away with a touchdown victory in Ireland." - Shayne Kubas (Vikings 24-17)
Final prediction has Steelers continuing to struggle with their early season problems
Final prediction: Steelers 20, Vikings 24
Expect the Vikings coaching staff to outperform the Steelers contingent. Mike Tomlin won't be able to handle Minnesota's offensive attack, even with Carson Wentz as their starter. Turnovers and whichever team can consistently run the football enough to open the play-action pass will be vital. Both defenses are coming off massive performances where they forced plenty of turnovers.
Rodgers has been up and down as the starting quarterback, but he has struggled against Brian Flores-led defenses in the past. He must be smart with the ball, and Arthur Smith must fix some of his play-calling from the past two games. Rodgers must be efficient, and their offensive line has a massive test in front of them. It could be a recipe for disaster in Week 4 if they're not better.
Kevin O’Connell fully understands the weaknesses that permeate the Steelers’ defensive unit.
Tomlin has no fixes, but it will help if DeShon Elliott and Joey Porter Jr. can return from injury. The Vikings have a ton of weapons on offense with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson. Outside of those players, their offensive line is a top group, and it will find ways to control the trenches.
There are too many things working against the Steelers in this matchup, despite them facing a backup quarterback. They need to win this game to have a shot at competing later in the season, but this battle spells doom for Pittsburgh. The game is likely to be frustrating to watch, and given their past struggles with backup quarterbacks, it is difficult to pick the Steelers to win.