SAINT-DENIS, France — The Pittsburgh Steelers relied on a dominant ground attack and opportunistic defense to defeat the New Orleans Saints 16-10 on Sunday at Stade de France, capturing the NFL’s first regular-season game staged in France.
Steelers running back Jaylen Warren led the offense with 101 yards on 18 carries and caught three passes for 36 yards, keeping Pittsburgh in control throughout the afternoon. The victory frustrated a New Orleans team that struggled to find footing offensively, generating a meager 18 yards rushing on the day, the Associated Press reported.
Defensive Stops and Missed Chances
The Saints fought back to tie the game 10-10 late in the second quarter when quarterback Tyler Shough connected with Devaughn Vele on a fourth-and-goal 1-yard touchdown pass. However, New Orleans squandered key second-half opportunities to pull ahead.
In the third quarter, Pittsburgh linebacker Payton Wilson stepped in front of a short pass intended for Chris Olave, securing a red zone interception. The turnover paved the way for Chris Boswell’s 39-yard field goal, which gave the Steelers a 16-10 cushion that held through the final whistle. New Orleans kicker Daniel Carlson later pushed a 52-yard field-goal attempt wide right in the fourth quarter.
Shough completed 30 of 38 passes for 278 yards, one touchdown and the critical interception. Alvin Kamara added seven receptions for 57 yards for New Orleans.
“Was the right place to go. I got to put it a little bit more outside, so that’s on me,” Shough said of the turnover, according to the AP.
Warner Apologizes for Broadcast Mix-Up
Warren’s heavy workload made him a frequent talking point during NFL Network’s telecast, leading to a recurring mistake in the commentary booth. Color analyst and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner repeatedly called Jaylen Warren “Tyler,” confusing him with Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren, Sportsnet Pittsburgh reported.
Warner, calling the game alongside Dave Pasch and Jason Kelce, addressed the error on social media following the broadcast.
“Yes, I called JAYLEN Warren ‘Tyler’ today after calling Colts game & referencing him in today’s game,” Warner wrote on X. “My bad, so sorry … it’s stinks as an announcer when you do that & unfortunately it won’t be my last time bc sometimes u just react & misspeak! I own it… and JAYLEN was awesome today, so hopefully I gave him enough LOVE at other times!!”
High Spirits in Paris Despite Protests
The international showcase went forward smoothly despite extensive domestic demonstrations across France on Saturday. More than 400,000 demonstrators took to the streets nationwide to protest education funding and living costs, including at least 110,000 in Paris, NBC News reported, citing the French Interior Ministry.
Visiting American supporters reported a welcoming environment across the French capital. Prior to kickoff, Saints owner Gayle Benson joined other dignitaries in a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the NFL’s long-term presence in Paris, the AP reported.
With the loss, New Orleans falls to 2-5 and enters a scheduled bye week facing hard questions about personnel and offensive execution. Saints head coach Kellen Moore said team leadership will thoroughly evaluate every aspect of the program before their next contest.
