Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season went pretty well, at least for Pittsburgh. There were many moments from the game that kept the fans on the edge of their seats at Croke Park. One of the reasons the game became particularly exciting wasn’t the fact that both teams were coming off a Week 3 victory. But as the Steelers took charge of the field early on, leading 14-3 in the second quarter, it turned out to be true for them to build a winning streak. 

The game on Irish soil was truly a rollercoaster. As the second half concluded, the Vikings had given up their opponents’ two big chances to score. First, the defense allowed the 80-yard touchdown from Rodgers to Metcalf. Then, Carson’s interception gave the Steelers possession. Minnesota lit up for a moment with Isaiah Rodgers’ blocked field goal attempt by Steelers kicker Chris Boswell. The Vikings were trailing by one touchdown going into halftime. But the third quarter again favored the Steelers, and so did the game. Victory at 24-21. Here are five key takeaways from the exciting Week 4 game. 

Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf are finally clicking together

Even though Jaylen Warren wasn’t there, Kenny Gainwell built the rhythm for the team. He put the first score on the screen, giving Pittsburgh a 7-3 lead early on. As Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf connected on the very next play, their connection made a big highlight. Rodgers threaded a pass to Metcalf on a slant route. Metcalf shook off tacklers and sprinted down the field for an electrifying 80-yard touchdown, putting the Steelers up 14-3. 

Analysts in the booth revealed Metcalf’s TD set a new record as the longest ever in an NFL game played internationally. Hauling in 122 of Rodgers’ total 145 passing yards to this point, Metcalf became the focal point of the offense. This was more than the receiver’s combined 133 yards in the first three games. 

Pittsburgh’s defense is finally showing up 

Pittsburgh’s defense finally showed up in Week 3. After the five-game losing streak that concluded the 2024 season, the defensive woes accompanied them in 2025 as well. But the Irish soil blessed them. 

Through three quarters, they’ve put the heat on opposing QB Wentz, sacking him six times and picking him off twice. DeShon Elliott’s CB injected new energy into the Steelers’ defense. His impact was instant. Not only did he pick off Wentz late in the second quarter, but he also sacked him and delivered some big hits that rattled the Vikings’ offense.

Wentz started well, completing his first 11 passes. However, his performance was marred by turnovers. His perfect streak ended with an interception in the second quarter after a pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage. In the third quarter, another tipped pass resulted in an interception. 

This second turnover came right after Wentz had been sacked on two consecutive plays. Though he wasn’t pressured on that specific play that led to the interception, the effect of pressure on previous plays might have rattled him. Of course, Rodgers and the offense contributed vastly; this victory wouldn’t have been possible without the defense not letting Wentz and company breathe. 

Carson Wentz may not be the answer for the Vikings 

A series of setbacks, including three sacks and two interceptions, led to the Vikings’ disastrous 1-for-16 conversion rate on third-and-long plays. Though Wentz showed a spark when he orchestrated an impressive nine-play, 70-yard touchdown drive, completing six of seven passes for 65 yards. The narrative after the game has been “When is JJ ready?” 

Before Sunday, he was seen as a long-term solution, like how Sam Darnold proved to be for the Vikings last season, in McCarthy’s absence. However, his contributions often amount to brief moments of excitement rather than sustained success. That’s not a player who brings home a championship. 

Minnesota’s offense is not clicking 

For three and a half quarters, the Vikings barely put up six points on the scoreboard. Whereas their opponents were leading at 24-6 in the fourth quarter. Part of the season was injuries. 

They were already without starting left guard Donovan Jackson when right tackle Brian O’Neill also went down in the first half and remained sidelined for the remaining game. Starting center Ryan Kelly left the game at halftime due to a concussion. 

As a result, their ability to protect Wentz and create running lanes was severely hampered. They ran the ball 20 times for just 70 yards, and a chunk of that came early in the game. 

With the offensive line hurt and struggling, Wentz had to do way too much on his own. It reminded everyone of their shaky offense from earlier in the season, with mistakes piling up like two interceptions and a fumble when the QB got sacked. Basically, the whole offense was out of sync, and it cost them.

Aaron Rodgers: Steelers’ knight-in-shining-armor

Last but not least, the biggest talking point of the game was Rodgers. The Vikings actually thought of signing him this spring, but later decided to put their faith in trusting McCarthy. 

Sunday showed why bringing Rodgers into the fold might have made more sense than some expected. Mike Tomlin was right after all. “He released the ball quickly. He was accurate. He identified the Vikings’ disguises and did not seem to give Minnesota the upper hand from an on-field check standpoint,” noted Alec Lewis of The Athletic about Rodgers. 

Rodgers tore through both man and zone coverage, finishing 17 of 20 for 192 yards and a touchdown. He concluded the day as the NFL all-time leader in 50-yard completions against the Vikings. He also joined the ranks of Tom Brady to record 60 more TDs against two different teams.