Minnesota Vikings vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats
This page gives clean, detailed minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats in one place. You’ll see what happened, who delivered, and what the numbers really say. Every section stays simple, clear, and fan-friendly. The game ended Vikings 36, Steelers 28 after a wild late push. Scroll for passing, rushing, receiving, defense impact, turnovers, and kicking.
Introduction: A Game That Kept Flipping the Mood
If you searched for minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats, you likely want the full story, not just one highlight clip. This matchup felt calm early and chaotic late. Minnesota grabbed control before halftime. Pittsburgh fought back hard in the fourth quarter. The result was a scoreboard that looks close, yet the game had clear stretches of dominance. This breakdown keeps the stats easy to read, so even a new fan can follow along. You’ll see who carried the run game, who earned targets, who forced turnovers, and who added points with kicks. Each table is made for quick scanning on mobile. You can also use the notes to understand why certain lines look big or small. These are the minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats that explain the night.
Tip: Attempts and targets show the game plan. Yards show the damage.
Quick Game Facts
The clean headline is simple. Minnesota won 36–28. The deeper story is in the pace. Minnesota leaned on a crushing run game. Pittsburgh relied on passing volume during the chase. That difference shapes the full minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats. When one team leads early, it can run more and throw less. When a team trails, it throws more and takes more risks. Those risks can create big yards, quick scores, and also turnovers. This is why the box score can look strange at first glance. Once you match it with the score flow, everything clicks. Keep this lens as you move through each table.
Quarter-by-Quarter Score Flow
Score flow is the map for every stat line. Minnesota scored 6 in the first quarter and 17 in the second. That built a 23–0 halftime lead. Pittsburgh had zero points at the half, which forced a different plan later. In the third quarter, Pittsburgh finally scored 7, while Minnesota added 6 more. In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh exploded for 21 points, and Minnesota answered with 7. The final stayed 36–28, yet the mood felt tense late. This context helps you read minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats with the right mindset. Late points can inflate passing yards, targets, and snap counts.
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 6 | 17 | 6 | 7 | 36 |
| Steelers | 0 | 0 | 7 | 21 | 28 |
Team Totals That Frame the Whole Match
Team totals give the big picture behind minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats. Minnesota produced 458 total net yards, while Pittsburgh finished with 375. Minnesota also won the rushing battle by a wide gap. Time of possession was close, which can surprise people. That happened because Pittsburgh’s late drives moved fast and added extra plays. Penalties were heavy on both sides. Minnesota had 11 penalties for 102 yards. Pittsburgh had 10 for 85. Flags can hide inside long drives and shift field position without showing up in a highlight clip. When you judge a player’s day, remember that a single penalty can erase a big play or keep a drive alive. That’s why team totals matter before you zoom into each player line.
| Team | Total Yards | Rushing Yards | Passing Yards | Time of Possession | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 458 | 242 | 216 | 30:28 | 11 (102) |
| Steelers | 375 | 106 | 308 | 29:32 | 10 (85) |
Passing Stats: Volume vs Control
Passing lines can mislead if you ignore the score. In this game, Pittsburgh threw more because it trailed for most of the night. Ben Roethlisberger went 28 for 40 with 308 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 interception. Minnesota’s Kirk Cousins finished 14 for 31 with 216 yards, 2 passing touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. This is where game script shows up in bold letters. Minnesota did not need a high attempt count because the run game kept working. Pittsburgh needed quick chunks, so the ball stayed in the air. When you read minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats, always compare attempts first. Attempts explain why totals look the way they do.
| Team | QB | Comp | Att | Yards | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steelers | Roethlisberger | 28 | 40 | 308 | 3 | 1 |
| Vikings | Cousins | 14 | 31 | 216 | 2 | 2 |
Rushing Stats: The Loudest Difference on the Sheet
The run game is the center of these minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats. Dalvin Cook carried 27 times for 205 yards and scored 2 rushing touchdowns. That is a takeover stat line. It also explains why Minnesota could stay patient in the second half. Alexander Mattison added 6 carries for 27 yards as support. For Pittsburgh, Najee Harris ran 20 times for 94 yards and scored 1 rushing touchdown. That’s a strong effort, yet it did not match the damage Minnesota created on the ground. Rushing success also changes how defenses line up. It forces tighter boxes and opens space for play-action. If you want one table that explains the entire game, this rushing table is it.
| Team | Player | Carries | Yards | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | Cook | 27 | 205 | 2 | 30 |
| Vikings | Mattison | 6 | 27 | 0 | 14 |
| Steelers | Harris | 20 | 94 | 1 | 23 |
Receiving Stats: Targets Show Trust
Receiving lines get clearer when you watch targets. Minnesota fed Justin Jefferson 15 targets, and he finished with 7 catches for 79 yards and 1 touchdown. K.J. Osborn had 3 catches for 83 yards and 1 touchdown, boosted by a big score that stretched the field. On Pittsburgh’s side, Chase Claypool led with 8 catches for 93 yards. Diontae Johnson added 5 catches for 76 yards. James Washington scored with 4 catches for 65 yards and a touchdown. Pat Freiermuth added 2 catches for 32 yards and a touchdown. These minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats show who earned looks when the game tightened.
| Team | Player | Receptions | Targets | Yards | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | Jefferson | 7 | 15 | 79 | 1 |
| Vikings | Osborn | 3 | 9 | 83 | 1 |
| Steelers | Claypool | 8 | 9 | 93 | 0 |
| Steelers | Johnson | 5 | 10 | 76 | 0 |
| Steelers | Washington | 4 | 6 | 65 | 1 |
| Steelers | Freiermuth | 2 | 3 | 32 | 1 |
Defense and Pressure: The Hidden Push Behind the Lead
Defense can feel invisible until you connect it to stalled drives. Minnesota’s defense created early discomfort and helped build the lead. Eric Kendricks logged 11 total tackles and added a sack. Harrison Smith had 5 total tackles and a sack as well. Minnesota also finished with 5 team sacks, which matters because sacks kill drive rhythm. Pittsburgh’s defense did its job late by forcing turnovers and giving the offense extra chances. Defensive stats are not only tackles. Pressure can force rushed throws, short checkdowns, and poor timing. That’s why minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats should include impact plays, not only yard totals.
| Team | Defender | Total Tackles | Sacks | Key Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | Kendricks | 11 | 1 | Stops + pressure |
| Vikings | Smith | 5 | 1 | Pressure timing |
| Vikings | Team | — | 5 | Drive disruption |
Tackles are the finish. Pressure is the setup. Both shape outcomes.
Turnovers: Why the Ending Felt Tight
Turnovers flip games in one snap. They also create the loudest swings inside minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats. Pittsburgh’s Ahkello Witherspoon recorded 2 interceptions and returned them for 45 yards. Those picks gave Pittsburgh extra life. Minnesota’s Bashaud Breeland had 1 interception with an 18-yard return. That takeaway helped stop a drive and slow momentum. Interceptions matter even without a big return, because they remove a full possession from the other team. They also change field position and shift play-calling. In this game, picks are a key reason the fourth quarter turned into a battle. Without those extra chances, the comeback push becomes much harder. That’s why the turnover table is a must-read.
| Team | Player | INT | Return Yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steelers | Witherspoon | 2 | 45 |
| Vikings | Breeland | 1 | 18 |
Kicking and Punting: Quiet Points That Add Separation
Special teams rarely get the spotlight, yet they still shape the final. Minnesota kicker Greg Joseph went 3 for 4 on field goals and 3 for 4 on extra points. That’s 12 kicking points, which adds real breathing room. Pittsburgh kicker Chris Boswell went 0 for 1 on field goals and 2 for 2 on extra points. That’s only 2 kicking points. When a game tightens late, those earlier points can feel huge. Punting also signals how often drives stalled. Minnesota punted three times. Pittsburgh punted six times. This section matters because minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats should include points from every phase. A missed kick, or an extra punt, can change the next drive’s starting spot.
| Team | Kicker | FG | XP | Kicking Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | Joseph | 3/4 | 3/4 | 12 |
| Steelers | Boswell | 0/1 | 2/2 | 2 |
Kicking points can feel small, until the clock gets short.
Key Moments That Explain the Numbers
You can read minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats like a timeline. First, Minnesota built a big lead with rushing success and early scoring. That forced Pittsburgh to pass more later. Second, Minnesota’s passing line looks modest because the run carried the load. Third, Pittsburgh’s passing totals climbed because the chase required it. Fourth, turnovers created extra chances and fed the late surge. Fifth, Minnesota still answered with points when needed, which is why the final stayed in their favor. This is a helpful way to “connect the dots.” It keeps stats from feeling random. It also helps fans explain the game in one clean story without arguing over one single play. When you keep this timeline in mind, the tables feel like a clear picture.
Top Performers: Who Truly Drove the Game
Every fan wants a quick “who carried it” list. Dalvin Cook is the top name. His 205 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns set the tone. Ben Roethlisberger is next for the comeback push, with 308 passing yards and three passing touchdowns. Justin Jefferson earned heavy volume with 15 targets and added a touchdown. Chase Claypool led Pittsburgh in receiving yards with 93. Ahkello Witherspoon’s two interceptions are the swing plays that kept pressure on Minnesota late. Greg Joseph’s kicking points helped hold separation on the scoreboard. This group is the heartbeat of the night. If you only skim one section, skim this one, then jump back into the tables for the full minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats.
All-in-One Stat Pack for Fast Scanning
This table is built for speed. It gathers the main leaders from each phase in one view, so you can scan in seconds. It is also a clean summary of minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats without losing the core details. Use it for quick recaps, social posts, and fan debates. Keep an eye on attempts, carries, and targets. Those show how each team tried to win. Then check touchdowns and interceptions. Those show what changed the game. This compact pack will not replace the full tables above, but it gives a sharp snapshot when you want a fast answer.
| Category | Vikings Leader | Stat Line | Steelers Leader | Stat Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passing | Cousins | 14/31, 216, 2 TD, 2 INT | Roethlisberger | 28/40, 308, 3 TD, 1 INT |
| Rushing | Cook | 27, 205, 2 TD | Harris | 20, 94, 1 TD |
| Receiving | Jefferson | 7 rec, 79, 1 TD (15 tgt) | Claypool | 8 rec, 93 |
| Interceptions | Breeland | 1 INT, 18 yds | Witherspoon | 2 INT, 45 yds |
| Kicking | Joseph | 3/4 FG, 3/4 XP | Boswell | 0/1 FG, 2/2 XP |
How to Read These Stats Like a Pro Fan
Here’s a simple way to read minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats without getting lost. Start with the quarter-by-quarter table. That shows when the game flipped. Next, look at rushing yards for both teams. That explains who controlled pace and who chased. Then check passing attempts. Attempts show urgency and risk. After that, move to targets. Targets show who the quarterback trusted. Finish with turnovers and kicking points. Those two areas often decide close endings. This is also a good way to explain the match to a friend. It keeps the story clean and avoids arguing over one single moment. Stats are not only numbers. They are the shape of the game in a clear language.
FAQs
Where can I find accurate minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats?
A full box score view is the safest source because it lists every phase in one place. Use tables that show passing, rushing, receiving, turnovers, and kicking together. If you compare two stat pages, match the final score first. Then match the quarter points. When those align, player lines usually align too. This page keeps the key tables visible and easy to scan on mobile. It is built for fast reading, clean numbers, and a clear story behind the game. Those goals match what most fans want from minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats.
Who led the rushing attack and why did it matter?
Dalvin Cook led the rushing attack with 205 yards and two rushing touchdowns. That mattered because it controlled tempo. It also kept Pittsburgh’s offense off the field early. A strong run game reduces pressure on the quarterback. It also makes play-action more dangerous when defenders creep closer. This is why the rushing table is the core of minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats. When one rusher dominates like this, it changes play-calling, spacing, and the whole defensive plan.
Why did Pittsburgh have more passing yards?
Pittsburgh trailed for most of the night, so the team threw more. More attempts often create more yards. Minnesota had a big lead and a powerful run game, so the team did not need to throw as much. That creates a passing yard gap that can look bigger than the true balance of play. Always compare attempts with yards. This simple trick makes minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats feel logical instead of confusing.
Which receivers stood out the most?
Chase Claypool led Pittsburgh with 8 catches for 93 yards. Justin Jefferson led Minnesota in volume with 15 targets and scored a touchdown. K.J. Osborn posted 83 yards on three catches with a touchdown, boosted by a long score. These lines show both volume and big-play power. When you read minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats, check targets to see trust and catches to see execution. Those two together are more useful than yards alone.
How did interceptions affect the comeback?
Ahkello Witherspoon’s two interceptions gave Pittsburgh extra possessions and better field position. That helped keep the comeback alive late. Minnesota’s interception by Bashaud Breeland also mattered because it stopped a drive and calmed the flow. Turnovers can swing momentum faster than any other stat category. That is why the interception table is essential in minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats. Even without a touchdown return, a pick can still change the next ten minutes of the game.
What’s the fastest way to summarize this box score?
Use five quick facts. Final score. Halftime score. Top passer. Top rusher. Biggest turnover impact. Here it is in plain words: Minnesota won 36–28 after leading 23–0 at halftime. Dalvin Cook rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns. Ben Roethlisberger threw for 308 yards and three touchdowns in the comeback push. Witherspoon grabbed two interceptions. This is the cleanest, fastest summary of minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats without losing the main story.
Conclusion: What These Stats Say in Plain Words
This game had two clear chapters. Minnesota controlled the early chapters with rushing power and steady scoring. Pittsburgh owned the final chapter with a furious passing surge. That mix is why the result felt closer than the full night. When you study minnesota vikings vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats, the rushing table explains the early lead. The passing attempts explain the late chase. The interception table explains the sudden swings. Kicking points explain the extra space Minnesota needed to hold on. If you want to share this match with friends, use the all-in-one stat pack and the quarter score flow. They tell the full story in seconds. If you want more game pages like this, drop the next matchup name and I’ll format it in the same luxury style.
