Just because the Pittsburgh Steelers are highly favored to win their game in Paris this weekend doesn't mean they'll reach victory. The franchise had a massive win in Ireland last year and holds a 1-1 record in Europe since the NFL started its international endeavors. Although the New Orleans Saints go into this game as the underdogs, they already have the upper hand.
Pittsburgh left for France on Thursday night after practice in Pittsburgh. It's a bold strategy to battle the time change, but they did something similar last season when they traveled to Ireland. That worked in their favor, but it could be different this time around. The Saints, meanwhile, jetted off to Paris Monday morning.
That could be met with different positives and negatives, but it certainly puts the Steelers immediately behind the eight ball.
Finding different ways not to get jet lag could become a real struggle for the Black and Gold. New Orleans had three extra days to adapt to the French time zone, while Pittsburgh will be playing a game in only a few days. Perhaps practicing at their facilities will pay off for the Steelers, or it could turn around and bite them. This difference in travel plans will make things harder for them.
Saints early arrival to Paris will make this a tough game on the season for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Compared to last season when they traveled to Europe, the Steelers decided to take a bolder approach. Instead of landing in Paris on Thursday, as they did in Ireland last season, they decided to arrive on the Friday morning before the game. That will give the team nearly two days to prepare their schedule to be set for game time. That difference of 24 hours could rock their entire play on Sunday.
Having that extra time to adapt to your surroundings should only help boost the Saints' chances in this game.
Yes, you can make a clear argument that the Black and Gold are the better team going into this matchup, but all of that could be thrown out the window if the entire roster is tired. Factor in that the Steelers canceled a practice this week, and the chances of their players being stale could make matters worse.
There were a good number of players on Pittsburgh's club who were listed on the injury report throughout the week. That means fewer reps for different players who will need to step up during their game against the Saints. This outcome in Paris won't be an easy battle to win.
The time change, the lack of practice, players lost to injury, and the missing factor of winning for the Rooneys in Ireland only continue to pile on the concerns going into this week.
When it comes to international games, New Orleans carries a winning record of 2-1. The Steelers will hope to get over their .500 record in these types of contests and get their second win. This time will have a French influence on this game, and although it doesn't hold as much meaning as Ireland did a season ago, getting a win holds the same merit. It won't be easy, but they have to find a way to victory.
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