Aaron Rodgers Passes Peyton Manning as Steelers Beat Saints in Paris

Aaron Rodgers surpassed Peyton Manning’s career touchdown mark as the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-10 in the NFL’s first regular-season game at Stade de France on October 25, 2026, relying on a dominant ground attack and late defensive stops.

Aaron Rodgers Passes Peyton Manning as Steelers Hold Off New Orleans in Paris

The NFL’s inaugural regular-season game in France delivered a historic milestone on October 25, 2026, even as civil unrest and heavy security overshadowed fan events in Paris. Aaron Rodgers overtook Peyton Manning for the third-most touchdown passes in NFL history during the first half, connecting with tight end Darnell Washington for his 540th career scoring strike. Playing before a crowd at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, the four-time MVP finished the afternoon completing 19 of 30 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown to help Mike McCarthy’s team improve to 5-2.

While security concerns prompted the league to close its NFL House fan experience and postpone team-bonding outings following nationwide protests over living costs and education budgets, the atmosphere directly outside the stadium remained calm and festive. Fans who traveled for the historic matchup reported a smooth experience despite broader demonstrations that saw hundreds of thousands demonstrate across France. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell noted that preparations had been made in consultation with US and French authorities, while NFL chief security officer Cathy Lanier was on the ground in France. Lifelong friends and Saints fans Sindhu Pandit, Shruti Menon and Pramod Menon said they never felt the game would be canceled, adding that hotel concierge services and local news kept them informed while locals were incredibly hospitable. Steelers fan Monika Allen avoided protests thanks to advice in fan-led Facebook groups, while her cousin Viktor Toth wore a black Terry Bradshaw jersey. French teenager Oskar Le Gall, wearing a Bryce Young jersey, tried his hand at a Hail Mary event where 11 national police vans with their emergency lights flashing drove past on the street above.

Jaylen Warren and the Pittsburgh Ground Attack Control the Clock

Entering the matchup throwing the ball at the league’s second-highest rate at 68 percent of plays, the Steelers flipped their usual script by dominating the line of scrimmage on the ground. Jaylen Warren carried 18 times for 101 yards, anchoring a rushing attack that totaled 148 yards at an average of 4.9 yards per carry. Combined with Rico Dowdle, who added 86 yards from scrimmage on 15 touches despite entering the contest questionable with a knee and foot issue, the backfield churned out total yardage to keep the Saints’ defense off balance. Spencer Anderson reported as eligible to play the role of the sixth offensive lineman in the jumbo package, helping the Steelers finish with 30 running plays out of 63 total offensive snaps.

That heavy ground presence proved decisive on the game’s final possession. Holding a narrow six-point lead with under six minutes remaining, Pittsburgh took over and bled out the final 5:52 with an 11-play, 49-yard drive. When New Orleans forced a crucial third down, Rodgers scrambled for eight yards to move the chains, sealing the victory just before the two-minute warning.

Tyler Shough and the Saints Stumble Despite Offensive Production

For the Saints, second-year quarterback Tyler Shough put together an efficient afternoon through the air, completing 30 of 38 passes for 278 yards, a touchdown pass to Devaughn Vele, and a costly second-half interception. New Orleans ranked among the league leaders in passing touchdowns coming into the contest, but Kellen Moore’s squad dropped to 2-5 after failing to convert key opportunities in opposing territory. Alvin Kamara led the Saints’ receiving effort with 7 catches for 57 yards.

The Saints struggled to establish any running game against a stout Pittsburgh front, managing just 18 rushing yards on 17 carries. New Orleans has now allowed opponents to average at least 4.9 yards per carry in four of their first seven games.

Looking Ahead in the AFC North

The victory serves as the third leg of a crucial four-game stretch for Pittsburgh.

More on this story: Aaron Rodgers Leads Steelers to First NFL Regular-Season Win in France · Steelers beat Saints 16-10 in NFL’s first-ever game in France

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