Steelers defeat Saints 16-10 in Paris, highlighting defensive plays and player milestones

Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France on Sunday, marking the NFL’s first regular-season game in Paris. Defensive linemen recorded twelve batted-down passes during the matchup, accounting for a quarter of the league’s total for the week, according to Pro Football Focus data. Steelers players Yahya Black, Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton contributed to the pressure, with Heyward leading the league with five swats this season.

Running backs Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle formed a productive duo, with Warren amassing 561 rushing yards and 294 receiving yards through seven games, a statistical combination not seen since Christian McCaffrey in 2022. Warren logged 137 yards from scrimmage in the win, while Dowdle added nine carries for 41 yards and six receptions for 45 yards.

Veteran safety DeShon Elliott returned to the field for the first time since October 2025 after recovering from a knee injury and subsequent surgery. Elliott recorded one tackle on 19 defensive snaps.

Wide receiver Brandon Smith earned his first two NFL receptions, a 4-yard and a 14-yard catch, the latter setting up the game-deciding field goal by Chris Boswell. Smith has appeared in three games as a practice-squad elevation and may be signed to the active roster as the Steelers address injuries among their receiving corps.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers connected with tight end Darnell Washington for his 13th touchdown pass of the season, bringing his career total to 540 and moving him into third place on the NFL’s all-time passing-TD list. Rodgers also completed a 51-yard pass to DK Metcalf, marking his 96th career completion of at least 50 yards, the most in league history.