The Minnesota Vikings vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats reveal the story behind an unforgettable NFL moment — the league’s first regular-season game in Ireland. On September 28, 2025, Croke Park in Dublin hosted over 74,000 fans for a historic clash. Strategy, momentum swings, and individual brilliance defined the narrative from the opening whistle to the final play.
Kenneth Gainwell powered Pittsburgh’s ground game with 99 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Carson Wentz delivered a gutsy performance for Minnesota, finishing with 350 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Justin Jefferson and DK Metcalf each posted 126 receiving yards, underscoring their status as elite playmakers. Despite Minnesota outgaining Pittsburgh with 372 total yards, turnovers and defensive pressure ultimately decided the outcome. These statistics highlight how situational execution shapes results in closely contested games.
Iron & Ice: Offensive Forces on Display
Minnesota Vikings
- Passing: Carson Wentz — 30/46, 350 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
- Rushing: Jordan Mason — 16 carries, 57 yards
- Receiving: Justin Jefferson — 10 catches, 126 yards
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Passing: Aaron Rodgers — 18/22, 200 yards, 1 TD
- Rushing: Kenneth Gainwell — 19 carries, 99 yards, 2 TDs
- Receiving: DK Metcalf — 5 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD (80-yard score)
This symmetry — two receivers with identical yardage, a dynamic running back, and a quarterback battling from behind — demonstrates how the Minnesota Vikings vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats reflected the balance between offense and defense.
Team Stats: Yardage, Pressure and Possession
| Statistic | Vikings | Steelers |
| Total Net Yards | 372 | 313 |
| Passing Yards | 302 | 182 |
| Rushing Yards | 70 | 131 |
| Sacks (Yards Lost) | 6‑48 | 2‑18 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Time of Possession | 33:34 | 26:26 |
| Third-Down Efficiency | 28.6% | 40.0% |
Despite advantages in total offense and time of possession, Minnesota’s turnovers and inconsistent third-down efficiency allowed Pittsburgh to capitalize, demonstrating the real-world impact of the Minnesota Vikings vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats.
Turning Points: Momentum & Key Plays
Steelers Bolt Ahead
- DK Metcalf’s 80-yard touchdown electrified the crowd and gave Pittsburgh a 14‑3 lead.
- T.J. Watt and DeShon Elliott each intercepted Wentz, swinging momentum.
- Steelers defense sacked Wentz six times, disrupting Minnesota’s rhythm.
Vikings Rally Falls Short
- Down 24‑6 entering the fourth quarter, Minnesota staged a furious comeback:
- Zavier Scott caught Wentz’s 16-yard TD pass.
- Jalen Nailor added a late score to pull within three points.
- Wentz’s final pass with eight seconds left fell incomplete, sealing a 24‑21 Steelers victory.
Defensive Impact & Unsung Heroes
Defensive contributions shaped the game beyond the offensive spotlight:
- Pittsburgh’s relentless pass rush forced hurried throws and disrupted timing.
- Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson executed a game-saving tackle, preventing a potential late Minnesota touchdown — one of the season’s pivotal plays.
Cultural and Economic Ripple Effects
Beyond the field, the Dublin game had major effects:
- The local economy benefited from increased spending across restaurants, pubs, and retail.
- The matchup became one of the most-watched International Games in NFL Network history, drawing roughly 7.9 million viewers worldwide.
These examples demonstrate how NFL expansion and Minnesota Vikings vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats can influence both sports and cultural landscapes.
Historical Context
Minnesota holds a slight edge over Pittsburgh historically, winning 10 games to the Steelers’ nine. Average points per game reflect competitive balance: Vikings 22.7, Steelers 20.0. The 2025 Dublin game reinforced this pattern, with situational execution determining the winner.
| Head-to-Head | Wins | Win Percentage |
| Vikings | 10 | 52.6% |
| Steelers | 9 | 47.4% |
| Avg Points/Game – Vikings | 22.7 | – |
| Avg Points/Game – Steelers | 20.0 | – |
Expert Analysis
- Bill O’Brien: “Rodgers’ efficiency and control under international pressure is exceptional.”
- Sam Monson (PFF): “The Vikings’ yardage advantage highlights offensive talent, but turnovers and pressure determine outcomes.”
- Jamal Anderson (Defensive Strategist): “Gainwell’s performance shows the value of mixing run and pass to reduce defensive pressure.”
Key Takeaways
- Aaron Rodgers’ precision controlled Pittsburgh’s offense.
- Kenneth Gainwell’s rushing highlighted Pittsburgh’s balanced attack.
- Minnesota gained more total yardage but was affected by turnovers.
- Justin Jefferson recorded 126 receiving yards, showcasing elite talent.
- Pittsburgh’s defensive pressure disrupted Minnesota’s passing game.
- Minnesota’s fourth-quarter surge highlighted resilience.
Conclusion
The 2025 Minnesota Vikings vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats show that yardage alone does not guarantee victory. Minnesota’s offense excelled, but Pittsburgh’s balanced approach, defensive pressure, and situational execution secured a 24‑21 win. Beyond statistics, this game highlighted resilience, strategy, and the global growth of the NFL, cementing its place in football history.
FAQs
Q: Who led the Vikings statistically?
A: Carson Wentz (350 passing yards) and Justin Jefferson (126 receiving yards).
Q: What made Pittsburgh’s victory possible?
A: Balanced attack from Rodgers, Gainwell’s two touchdowns, and dominant defensive pressure.
Q: Why is this game historically important?
A: First NFL regular-season game in Ireland, attracting an international audience of millions.
Q: Were there any surprise heroes?
A: Payton Wilson’s game-saving tackle became a defining moment.
Q: What stats defined the final outcome?
A: Turnovers, sacks and third-down efficiency allowed Pittsburgh to capitalize despite Minnesota’s yardage advantage.
REFERENCES
Stathead. (n.d.). Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers head‑to‑head stats. Retrieved from Stathead
USA TODAY Sports Data. (2025). Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers – NFL game summary and statistics. Retrieved from https://sportsdata.usatoday.com/football/nfl/summary/2879236 USA TODAY
FOX Sports. (2025). Vikings vs. Steelers Week 4 box score. Retrieved from FOX Sports
NFL. (2025). 2025 NFL Dublin Game box score and detailed stats. Retrieved from NFL
Sky Sports. (2025). Steelers 24‑21 Vikings historic game report. Retrieved from Sky Sports.