The Steelers vs Vikings is taking center stage in Dublin this weekend as the spotlight couldn’t be brighter. The Minnesota Vikings, led by veteran quarterback Carson Wentz, will face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 28, in Croke Park, in what’s more than just a novelty overseas game. This is not only some hanky-panky, fun international game for either team, as the crucial clash holds very different narratives. One team is looking to prove it can thrive under a journeyman quarterback like Wentz, the other one is chasing its third straight victory to have a strong AFC North hold from early under the steady hand of Mike Tomlin.
Well, the Vikings do have a veteran quarterback at the helm. Wentz silenced doubters last week with a sharp performance against the Bengals, throwing two touchdown passes while the defense forced turnover after turnover. After that game, head coach Kevin O’Connell also praised Wentz with strong words. However, the real concern still mounts over Wentz as the Steelers clash on Irish soil brings a sterner test.
This Super Bowl before the Super Bowl matchup will reveal whether Minnesota’s formula can stand up to a battle-hardened Steelers squad. The momentum has quietly tilted in Pittsburgh’s favor. And Tomlin’s team is 2–1 and gaining confidence, fueled by T.J. Watt’s relentless pass rush and an opportunistic secondary. The Steelers know they don’t have to be perfect on offense as long as the defense continues to set the tone.
But that puts extra pressure on Wentz, who will be asked not just to manage the game but to keep Minnesota balanced against a defense that thrives on mistakes. It’s here, with the weight of expectations and a hostile opponent across the field, that the two biggest concerns for the Vikings begin to take shape.
Two Biggest Concerns for Carson Wentz and the Minnesota Vikings
The first concern is ball security. Per Alec Lewis of The Athletic, “The Steelers are synonymous with forcing turnovers. It’s their calling card.” The analyst and writer have also added, “Both of their football philosophies hinge on takeaways, traditionally the most predictive statistic for winning. The quickest way the Vikings can lose this game is to give Rodgers more possessions.”
As Wentz’s career has often been defined by the thin line between daring throws and costly turnovers, this is the single biggest concern for the upcoming game, along with the Steelers’ pressure at forcing quarterbacks into bad decisions. Last season, Pittsburgh finished near the top of the league in takeaways, and already in 2025, they’ve shown a knack for swinging games with momentum-shifting interceptions.
The second biggest concern the Minnesota Vikings may face is Wentz’s performance. Wentz managed to stay clean against Cincinnati, but the Bengals’ defense wasn’t operating with the same edge as T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen, and Alex Highsmith. In a contest expected to be tight where even one interception could tilt the outcome, Wentz’s ability to pass perfect throws (just like his 70% CMP in the Bengals game) and to dodge sacks will be key.
This concern stems from whether Wentz can thrive without the kind of support his defense and special teams provided last week. Against Cincinnati, Isaiah Rodgers’ pick-six and the Vikings’ overall defensive dominance allowed Wentz to operate with little pressure, often playing with a lead and favorable field position. That cushion may not be available in Dublin, where the Steelers are capable of sustaining drives and keeping the Vikings’ defense on the field. Suppose Rodgers and company can’t replicate that spark. In that case, the spotlight shifts fully onto Wentz’s arm, decision-making, and his connection with wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Kevin O’Connell’s challenge will be to balance Wentz’s aggressiveness with a controlled game plan that doesn’t put his quarterback in harm’s way. For Minnesota, the path forward depends on whether Wentz can protect the football and prove he can carry the weight when his defense doesn’t hand him momentum on a silver platter. If he can, the Vikings might leave Dublin with more than an international memory.
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