In September 2025, the NFL expanded its horizons to the historic Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, for a highly anticipated cross-conference showdown. The Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats reflect a game that was a tale of two halves, characterized by defensive dominance from the AFC North side and a late-game surge by the visitors from the NFC North. With a final score of 24–21 in favor of Pittsburgh, the statistics reveal a fascinating contrast in offensive philosophies and execution under the international spotlight.
For the Vikings, the game served as a platform for Carson Wentz to showcase his arm strength while navigating a ferocious Pittsburgh pass rush. Conversely, the Steelers relied on the veteran efficiency of Aaron Rodgers and a bruising ground game led by Kenneth Gainwell. This statistical breakdown goes beyond the scoreboard, examining the individual performances that defined the rhythm of the contest. From Justin Jefferson’s consistent excellence to T.J. Watt’s game-changing defensive presence, the numbers provide a clear narrative of how Pittsburgh managed to hold off a furious fourth-quarter comeback.
Aerial Assault and Quarterback Decision-Making
The passing game was the primary engine for Minnesota’s late-game resurgence. Carson Wentz ended the day with a voluminous stat line, completing 30 of 46 passes for 350 yards. While the yardage total was impressive, the Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats show that efficiency was a struggle early on. Wentz threw two critical interceptions—one of which was a leaping grab by T.J. Watt—that allowed Pittsburgh to build a significant lead. However, his poise in the fourth quarter was evident as he orchestrated two touchdown drives to bring the game within a single possession.
On the Pittsburgh side, Aaron Rodgers demonstrated why he remains one of the most efficient operators in the league. Completing 18 of 22 passes for 200 yards, Rodgers focused on high-percentage throws and ball security. His highlight of the night was a perfectly placed 80-yard touchdown strike to DK Metcalf, which showcased his ability to still challenge defenses vertically. By avoiding turnovers and converting key third downs, Rodgers provided the steady hand necessary for the Steelers to maintain control for the majority of the afternoon in Dublin.
Ground Combat and Backfield Efficiency
The rushing battle was largely won by the Steelers, who utilized a physical approach to wear down the Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats front seven. Kenneth Gainwell was the undisputed star of the ground game, carrying the ball 19 times for 99 yards. His two rushing touchdowns—one from a single yard out and another from four yards—were the result of disciplined blocking and explosive short-area bursts. The Steelers’ ability to average 4.5 yards per carry allowed them to dictate the tempo and keep the Vikings’ high-powered offense on the sidelines.
Minnesota, meanwhile, struggled to establish a consistent running threat. Jordan Mason led the backfield with 16 carries but managed only 57 yards. The Pittsburgh defensive line, led by Cam Heyward, consistently penetrated the backfield, forcing the Vikings to abandon the run early in the second half. This imbalance put more pressure on the passing game, as evidenced by the Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats, which saw the Vikings finish with only 70 total rushing yards. Without a balanced attack, Minnesota found themselves in predictable passing situations that benefited the Pittsburgh pass rushers.
Elite Target Performance and Defensive Coverage
The receiving corps for both teams provided several “wow” moments that kept the Irish crowd on their feet. Justin Jefferson was as advertised, hauling in 10 receptions for 126 yards. Despite being the focal point of the Steelers’ secondary, Jefferson’s route running allowed him to find soft spots in the zone repeatedly. Jordan Addison, returning from an early-season suspension, also made a massive impact with 4 catches for 114 yards, including a staggering 81-yard reception that nearly resulted in a game-tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Pittsburgh’s receiving stats were headlined by DK Metcalf, who used his rare combination of size and speed to dominate his matchups. Metcalf finished with 126 yards on just 5 catches, with a significant portion of those yards coming on his 80-yard score. Beyond Metcalf, the Steelers utilized their tight ends and running backs effectively in the short passing game. Kenneth Gainwell added 6 receptions for 35 yards, serving as a reliable safety valve for Rodgers whenever the Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats pass rush managed to close in.
Defensive Dominance and Turnover Margins
Defense was the deciding factor in the outcome, particularly the pressure applied by the Pittsburgh front. The Steelers recorded a staggering six sacks on Carson Wentz, with Nick Herbig and Patrick Queen leading the charge. These sacks not only lost yardage but also disrupted the timing of the Minnesota offense during crucial third-down attempts. T.J. Watt’s interception and 13-yard return in the third quarter was arguably the play of the game, as it set up a Gainwell touchdown that pushed the lead to 21–6.
The Vikings’ defense had its moments, specifically in the second half when they tightened up in the red zone. They limited Pittsburgh to just 3 points in the final frame, which allowed the offense to mount a comeback. However, the lack of forced turnovers was a glaring discrepancy in the Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats. Pittsburgh finished the game with a +2 turnover margin, a statistic that historically correlates heavily with victory. Despite the yardage disadvantage, the Steelers’ ability to take the ball away and protect it themselves was the margin of victory.
Specialist Contributions and Field Position
Special teams play in international games is often overlooked, but the kicking duel in Dublin was remarkably sharp. Minnesota’s Will Reichard was perfect on the day, connecting on field goals of 41 and 28 yards. His consistency kept the Vikings within striking distance during the middle quarters when the offense was stalling. Furthermore, Isaiah Rodgers provided a spark by blocking a Pittsburgh field goal attempt late in the second quarter, a play that prevented the game from getting out of hand before halftime.
Chris Boswell was equally reliable for Pittsburgh, hitting a 33-yarder in the fourth quarter to provide what eventually became the winning margin. The punting battle was also a stalemate, as both teams effectively pinned each other deep in their own territory. Corliss Waitman averaged 48.7 yards per punt for the Steelers, ensuring that the Vikings had to travel the length of the field for their scoring drives. In a game decided by only three points, these “hidden” yards in the kicking game proved to be essential components of the final result.
Red Zone Efficiency and Critical Conversions
When analyzing the Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats, the efficiency inside the 20-yard line reveals why the game stayed close. The Vikings were surprisingly efficient in the red zone, converting on two of their four trips. However, their inability to convert on 3rd downs throughout the game (4-of-14) prevented them from reaching the red zone more frequently. Their two fourth-quarter touchdowns were high-pressure situations that required Wentz to be perfect, which he nearly was until the final drive.
Pittsburgh, conversely, was 2-of-5 in the red zone. While they left some points on the field due to a blocked kick and a turnover on downs, their 40% conversion rate on 3rd downs was enough to sustain long drives. Their success on the ground meant they didn’t have to take as many risks in the passing game when near the goal line. The Steelers’ ability to run the ball effectively in “four-minute” offense situations late in the game allowed them to bleed the clock and limit Minnesota’s opportunities for a final miracle.
Snap Counts and Player Endurance
Endurance played a significant role in the Dublin heat, as several players rarely left the field. For Minnesota, Justin Jefferson and the offensive line played nearly 100% of the snaps, illustrating the team’s reliance on their stars to stay competitive. T.J. Hockenson was also a mainstay, playing 71 snaps and providing a consistent outlet for Wentz in the middle of the field. The heavy workload for the Vikings’ starters was a testament to their conditioning but may have contributed to some fatigue during the final defensive stand.
The Steelers rotated their personnel more frequently, particularly in the backfield and along the defensive line. This “platoon” approach kept their pass rushers fresh, which was evident in the fourth quarter when they continued to harass Wentz. Aaron Rodgers’ ability to manage the huddle and use the full play clock also gave his defense extra time to rest. This strategic management of snap counts is a hallmark of Mike Tomlin’s coaching style and likely contributed to the defensive consistency shown throughout the four quarters of play.
Official Match Player Stats: 2025 Dublin Series
| Player | Team | Category | Stat |
| Carson Wentz | Vikings | Passing | 350 Yds, 2 TD, 2 INT |
| Aaron Rodgers | Steelers | Passing | 200 Yds, 1 TD, 0 INT |
| Kenneth Gainwell | Steelers | Rushing | 99 Yds, 2 TD |
| Jordan Mason | Vikings | Rushing | 57 Yds, 0 TD |
| Justin Jefferson | Vikings | Receiving | 10 Rec, 126 Yds |
| DK Metcalf | Steelers | Receiving | 5 Rec, 126 Yds, 1 TD |
| Jordan Addison | Vikings | Receiving | 4 Rec, 114 Yds |
| T.J. Watt | Steelers | Defense | 1 INT, 1.0 Sack |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game in 2025?
The Pittsburgh Steelers won the matchup with a final score of 24–21. The game was played at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland.
What were Carson Wentz’s stats in the game?
Carson Wentz completed 30 of 46 passes for 350 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also rushed twice for 12 yards.
How did Justin Jefferson perform against the Steelers?
Jefferson had a productive outing, recording 10 catches for 126 yards, though he was held out of the end zone by the Pittsburgh secondary.
Which player scored the most touchdowns?
Kenneth Gainwell was the primary scorer for Pittsburgh, recording two rushing touchdowns and totaling 99 yards on the ground.
Were there any major injuries during the match?
Vikings’ center Ryan Kelly left the game with a concussion, and tackle Brian O’Neill suffered a knee injury in the first quarter. Both were ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats from the 2025 International Series highlight a game of high stakes and tactical brilliance. While the Vikings dominated the passing categories and total yardage (372 to 313), the Steelers proved that efficiency and turnover margin are the ultimate deciders in the NFL. Pittsburgh’s ability to generate six sacks and two interceptions provided the defensive cushion needed to survive a late 15-point explosion from Minnesota.
This game will be remembered not just for the historic setting in Ireland, but for the resilience of a Steelers team that combined veteran leadership with a dominant ground attack. As the league continues to grow globally, statistical performances like these serve as the benchmark for how teams must adapt to the unique challenges of playing on a different continent. Both teams showcased elite talent, but in the end, Pittsburgh’s balance across all three phases of the game allowed them to walk away with a hard-earned victory.