From Pittsburgh Steelers On SI · · 1m 20s
Steelers' Paris Plan: Travel Arrangements
Steelers prepare for Paris game amid French protests.
In brief
Steelers prepare for Paris game amid French protests. Pittsburgh Steelers have a plan to play in Paris next Sunday despite ongoing protests in France. Originally reported by Pittsburgh Steelers On SI.
Steelers aware of French protests
Pittsburgh Steelers are aware of protests in France and have a plan for their Week 7 game against New Orleans Saints in Paris.
“I'm obviously very aware, that’s part or the normal planning anytime you go abroad”
Coach McCarthy's statement
Head coach Mike McCarthy said Steelers had a Zoom call with NFL league office, which is typical protocol for international games.
“We have a lot of confidence in our plan”
What's happening in France
Anti-government protests have taken place throughout France recently with over 2,000 arrests in riots.
“According to USA Today, more than 2,000 people were arrested in the country for their roles in riots that ultimately became violent over the weekend”
Protest origins
Protests began with high school and university students seeking more education funding and better school conditions.
“The protests first began when high school and university students were seeking more funding from the French government for education while also wanting better conditions in schools”
NFL statement
NFL confirmed preparations for Steelers-Saints game at Stade de France remain ongoing with security and operational matters handled.
“Preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France next Sunday”
Steelers' travel plans
Steelers will travel to Paris on Thursday, October 22 after winning 26-19 over Tampa Bay Buccaneers in overtime.
“As the Steelers look to build on their two-game win streak, they won't head over to France until later in the week, on Thursday, October 22”
Previous international game
Steelers previously played in Dublin, Ireland last season against Minnesota Vikings with a 24-21 victory.
“Pittsburgh followed the same plan ahead of its contest in Dublin, Ireland last season against the Minnesota Vikings, and it paid off with a 24-21 victory at Croke Park”
Coach's reasoning
McCarthy explained Steelers held off on traveling to France to keep the process normal while maximizing win chances.
“Just like anything, when the schedule comes out we’re on a 7-day week flow here... I've always tried to stick to the basics. The hydration, the sleep, just to give the men the best opportunity to prepare and perform while staying in the normal flow of operation as possible”
AFC North standings
Steelers sit at 4-2 and in a three-way atop the AFC North with Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens.
“The Cleveland Browns hold a three-way tiebreaker over the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, however, as they are 2-0 in the division while Pittsburgh is 1-1 and Baltimore is 0-1 after falling to Cleveland this past weekend”
At a glance
Pittsburgh Steelers have a plan to play in Paris next Sunday despite ongoing protests in France.
