The Minnesota Vikings will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first of back-to-back international games against the AFC North in Week 4. However, their opponent attempted to get a bit of a jump on things, but the NFL’s judgment on the matter should work in the Vikings’ favor.
Whether or not it matters in the end remains to be determined on the field, but the Steelers were indeed looking for an edge.
Instead, the Vikings got some help from the NFL.
NFL Denies Steelers’ Request Before Vikings Game
GettyPittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks on against the New England Patriots.
Every team, just like any other international traveler, goes through an acclimation period as they adjust to the difference in time zones. Arriving earlier means adjusting sooner, allowing for a more natural feeling to game time.
The game is in Dublin, which is six hours ahead of Minneapolis and five hours ahead of Pittsburgh.
The Steelers wanted to arrive early, but the NFL rejected their request.
“FYI, the Steelers wanted to go over early in the week but the NFL said no and making each time arrive at the same time,” the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac wrote on September 23. “I don’t know the exact reason for the change — yes, the Vikings as the ‘home’ team got to London early in the week in 2013 — maybe it has to do with something about a competitive advantage. But it wasn’t the Steelers decision.”
Many fans cried foul about the decision, with some anticipating the Steelers would face further delays in addition to not receiving clearance to travel early. Others viewed it as keeping the playing field fair, so long as the Vikings received the same instructions as the Steelers.
According to Vegas Insider, the Vikings are 1.5-point favorites over the Steelers entering the contest as of September 24.
Vikings Face Aaron Rodgers After Rejection
GettyAaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts against the New England Patriots.
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers’ interest in signing with the Vikings was among the bigger storylines this past offseason. The Vikings chose to let J.J. McCarthy work virtually unchallenged as QB1 throughout the offseason program.
Rodgers now gets a chance to show the Vikings what they missed out on in Week 4.
The 10-time Pro Bowler and four-time MVP has completed 65.1% of his passes for 586 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.
The Steelers are 2-1 entering this “home” game against the Vikings, who come in with the same record, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest.
Carson Wentz Can Make Big Statement in Week 4
GettyCarson Wentz #11 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
McCarthy is sidelined for at least another week, meaning the Vikings will once again turn to Carson Wentz in his stead.
Wentz posted a 173-2-0 line on 70% completion in Week 3, leading the Vikings to a 48-10 rout of the Cincinnati Bengals. He will face a stiffer challenge in Week 4 against the Steelers, who are second in the league in blitz rate, per Pro Football Reference.
However, they also rank 26th against the pass, so Wentz should have opportunities downfield.
According to Pro Football Focus, Wentz completed three of his five attempts (60%) against the blitz in Week 3. He also threw one of his TD passes on a Bengals blitz.
The Steelers have logged 8 sacks on the season. That is one fewer than the Vikings and one more than Rodgers has taken. Keeping Wentz upright (he took 3 sacks against the Bengals) will be the key for the Vikings against the Steelers.
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