The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for a red-eye flight to France that departs Thursday night, a travel decision that has drawn scrutiny from fans and observers as the team approaches its matchup against the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France. The NFL is proceeding with the international contest as scheduled, despite ongoing civil unrest in France, while the Saints have already been in the country for several days.
The Steelers' late departure contrasts with the Saints' earlier arrival, creating a disparity in acclimatization time. Reports indicate the Steelers opted for the late flight to allow for more game preparation at home and to maintain player sleep habits. The strategy also serves as a contingency; by staying in the United States until the last moment, the team can monitor the situation in France to confirm the game will take place. NFL officials have stated that the league remains confident in its plans while staying vigilant regarding security for the matchup.
Critics on social media have questioned the wisdom of the late travel schedule, noting that international flights are exhausting. Some pointed to the Los Angeles Rams' previous international experience in Melbourne, Australia, where a late arrival was blamed for contributing to a loss against the San Francisco 49ers. While the Rams' subsequent season performance has led some to downplay that specific travel factor, the incident serves as a cautionary example for teams managing tight international schedules. A red-eye to France is less brutal than a flight to Australia, but the physical toll of travel remains a point of concern for those opposing the Steelers' current itinerary.
The debate over whether early arrival or late departure is advantageous remains unresolved until the game concludes. The Saints will enter the contest after several days in France, while the Steelers will arrive fresh from their Thursday night flight. The outcome of this strategic choice will be evident when the teams take the field at 9:30 a.m. ET on Sunday.