​Steelers’ Mike McCarthy on Payton Wilson’s Growth, Interception Against Saints: ‘Keeps Getting Stronger’ originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh.
Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Steelers traveled to France to take on the Saints and left with a win and sole possession of first in the AFC North.It was a true team effort. Aaron Rodgers moved to third all-time in touchdown passes and also ran the ball. Jaylen Warren ran the ball for over 100 yards. The defense also stepped up.Pittsburgh had 67 total tackles. The team also had two sacks on Tyler Shough. A key play was when Payton Wilson intercepted Shough as the latter attempted to drive the ball down the field with about seven minutes left in the third.It was Wilson’s first interception of the year and third of his career. Coach Mike McCarthy praised the 2024 NFL Draft pick’s performance and what it meant for the team.”It took points off the board, big play,” McCarthy said. “They were doing a very good job with the underneath completion game. Payton just keeps getting stronger and stronger.We’ll be taking that 😏 @payton_wilson21 https://t.co/SPSaIHFNGT— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 25, 2026″I think you see our defense — and Payton’s a good example of it — the connection, the guys are more and more comfortable each week with our scheme adjustments that we’re doing. Obviously, that was a huge play in the game.”The 2023 ACC Defensive Player of the Year had 78 tackles in 2024. Wilson broke out with 126 last season. Heading into the Saints game, he had 55 and had six against New Orleans.Wilson football IQ continues to impress as he scouts the competition and jumps when needed.”Pretty much all throughout the NFL, that’s where they’re gonna attack, so just gambling a little bit and undercutting it. Having to defend that play against [Rodgers] a lot throughout training camp and in practice has really helped,” Wilson said.More SteelersLatest Steelers newsHow ‘Renegade’ became Steelers’ pump-up songComplete history of Steelers championships