The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints during Week 7 of the 2026 NFL season in Paris. Playing at the Stade de France, Pittsburgh relied on clock-killing drives and veteran leadership to overcome a struggling Saints offense.
Eight marathon drives define the Paris showdown
The matchup at the Stade de France was characterized by an unusual level of offensive attrition and ball control . According to the report from Around The NFL, the Steelers and Saints combined for eight drives of 11-plus plays, a figure that ties the record for the most such drives in a non-overtime game since at least 2000.
This trend of lengthy possessions effectively neutralized the explosive potential of both rosters. By prioritizing sustained marches down the field, the Steelers were able to limit the total number of opportunities for the Saints, who managed only six drives throughout the entire contest.
Jaylen Warren’s contact yards fuel Pittsburgh's clock management
Jaylen Warren served as the engine for the Steelers' ball-control strategy, providing the physical presence necessary to wear down the New Orleans defense. Warren finished the afternoon with 101 rushing yards, a remarkable 71 of which came after contact, forcing five missed tackles in the process.
While the Steelers' offense was not always explosive, quarterback Aaron Rodgers provided critical veteran stability when the game hung in the balance. Although Rodgers expressed frustration to ESPN's Molly McGrath regarding penalties and protection issues, he managed to execute a decisive 8-yard scramble in the third quarter to help seal the victory. The report notes that Rodgers' air yards per attempt rose to 6.6, showing a willingness to attack despite the team's "dink and dunk" approach.
Alvin Kamara’s stagnant run game leaves Tyler Shough isolated
The New Orleans Saints struggled to find any offensive rhythm, particularly in the run game, which left second-year quarterback Tyler Shough with little support. Per Next Gen Stats cited in the report, Alvin Kamara managed just 11 yards on 14 combined carries, marking the fewest yards per designed run by any team this season.
This lack of a ground threat forced Shough into a high-volume passing role, where he completed 30 of 38 attempts. However, the efficiency did not translate to points, as the Saints managed only 10 points on their limited possessions. Shough's afternoon was marred by critical errors, including a sack by Patrick Queen and two attempts being batted down during the Saints' final possession.
Will Gayle Benson's ultimatum force a Saints shakeup?
The loss drops the New Orleans Saints to a 2-5 record, leaving them tied for last place in the NFC South. this downward trajectory places immense pressure on the team's leadership following recent organizational shifts.
The primary question remains whether the current coaching and management structure can survive the season's mounting failures. earlier this month, owner Gayle Benson issued an ultimatum to coach Kellen Moore and general manager Mickey Loomis, suggesting that the window for patience in New Orleans is rapidly closing.
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