Saints know that beating Steelers is a big deal
The national football league in france
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PARIS -- Alvin Kamara wants the New Orleans Saints to become "a part of history" Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"It's the first NFL game being played in France. It's an opportunity for all of us," the running back said. "I want to win so we'll always have that to brag about."
New Orleans has a lot riding on its showdown with Pittsburgh at Stade de France. The Saints are the "home" team, have been here all week and have tried to enlist fans ahead of the historic game.
Plus, they need a win.
The Saints (2-4) responded to criticism from team owner Gayle Benson by beating the New York Giants 34-27 to halt a three-game skid, even though they nearly blew a late lead. They'd love to go into their bye week on back-to-back victories.
"We built a lot of momentum, a lot of confidence in what we're able to do," safety Justin Reid said of last week's victory.
"The biggest thing for us is just making sure we can sustain that and make sure we can do it for four quarters," he added. "When we start doing that, we're going to be a tough team for anyone in the league to have to deal with."
They'll try to make it tough for Aaron Rodgers and a Steelers team looking for their third straight win. Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Baltimore were all at 4-2 in the AFC North entering Week 7.
The 42-year-old Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, was sacked five times but led a fourth-quarter comeback in Pittsburgh's 26-19 overtime win over Tampa Bay last week.
"Even at his age now, he still moves around the pocket well, throws a beautiful ball," Reid said. "I feel like a lot of times it's a chess match between the safety and the quarterback to try and disguise looks so he isn't able to just undress a defense and pick you apart."
Saints coach Kellen Moore served as Mike McCarthy's offensive coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys from 2020-22.
The Steelers coach was asked about how that familiarity might factor into plans for Sunday.
"That's all part of the game," McCarthy said. "Frankly, I think it's the fun part of the game. It's part of the competition. … They're young in their program. They're off to a good start. Some of the players, in my opinion, I think they fit the way he wants to play on offense. So, it'll definitely be part of the challenge."
The Steelers were scheduled to arrive Friday in the French capital, which has been hit by recent street protests that turned violent.