Facing backup quarterback Carson Wentz and an elite receiving room that got Jordan Addison back, the Pittsburgh Steelers knew it was paramount to turn up the pressure and attack the Vikings with a strong pass rush.
Mission accomplished on Sunday at Croke Park in Dublin.
The Steelers sacked Wentz six times and hit him 14 times in total. Names like Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton, and Patrick Queen all had sacks. Others like T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, DeShon Elliott, and Payton Wilson generated timely pressures, helping Pittsburgh get off the field repeatedly on defense.
Head coach Mike Tomlin, who spoke to reporters Sunday after the 24-21 win over the Vikings, credited defensive coordinator Teryl Austin for adjusting to attack Minnesota’s protection plans, leading to the big day from the pass rush.