The Pittsburgh Steelers advanced to 5-2 on the 2026 season following a 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Paris. And while the offense put together a strong first half, it was Pittsburgh's defense that ultimately stole the show, shutting out the high-powered Saints' offense led by second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. The win ultimately gave fans a lot to think about, and we at Steelers Wire decided to take a look at everything we learned in Pittsburgh's Week 7 win.
From a dynamic running back who needs more opportunity to a special teams unit that just can't seem to get it together, here are the biggest things we learned from the Steelers' Week 7 win over the Saints in Paris.
Jaylen Warren needs more touches
In the first half, Warren recorded an astonishing 114 yards on 12 touches. Despite his early success, he saw only nine more touches to close out the game in the third and fourth quarters. Rico Dowdle was a huge reason why, but Warren has been the far better running back and deserves even more opportunities moving forward.
Run defense is legit
Pittsburgh forced the Saints' offense into a one-dimensional game plan in the Week 7 win in Paris. The Steelers' run defense completely erased New Orleans' attempt at a rushing attack, leaving the Saints with an abysmal 18 rushing yards on 17 attempts. Forcing another team's rushing attack into averaging just 1.1 yards per carry is no joke, and the Steelers' run defense deserves its flowers in this one.
Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson emerging as difference makers
Queen and Wilson combined for 16 tackles, one sack, a tackle for loss, and nearly two interceptions in what can only be described as a dominant performance by Pittsburgh's top two linebackers. Queen and Wilson aren't just compiling tackles; they're changing games in Pittsburgh's favor. The newfound success for a once-forgotten unit is even more promising for Queen, who's found himself heavily criticized for inconsistent performances to start the 2026 season.
Special teams needs a complete overhaul
There's quite a lot to love about this new-look Steelers team at 5-2, but the special teams unit is not one of them. The kick coverage woes that have plagued the Steelers all season reared their ugly head in Paris, a glaring red flag that fans have had to watch unfold time and time again in 2026. Special teams penalties and field goals weren't an issue in the win this time, but the unit is in desperate need of a facelift.
Aaron Rodgers continues to find ways to win
Whether you love him or hate him, Rodgers is finding ways to win football games for the Steelers. Completing 19 of 30 passes for 212 yards and one touchdown, in addition to surpassing Peyton Manning on a historic list of all-time great quarterbacks, Rodgers was solid in Paris. His veteran decision-making and ability to execute when the team needs him most have resulted in the Steelers winning their third straight game in the 2026 season.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: What we learned from Steelers' Week 7 win over Saints in Paris