The NFL is a league that thrives on its ability to adapt and evolve, both on and off the field. From rule changes to player health management, the league is constantly finding new ways to improve the experience for players, coaches, and fans alike. One area that has gained more attention in recent years is the increasing number of games played overseas. The league’s “International Series” has grown to include more games in locations like London, Mexico City, and now—thanks to the latest announcement—Dublin, Ireland.
In 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be one of the teams tasked with playing an overseas game, facing the Baltimore Ravens in Dublin, Ireland. While the international game presents exciting new challenges, it also brings logistical headaches that require careful planning. The Steelers, like any team playing internationally, will need to figure out how to manage their schedule and player workload to maximize their performance both before and after the game. Interestingly, the Ravens, who have already been through the process of managing their schedule for an overseas game, could provide some valuable lessons for the Steelers as they prepare for their unique 2025 season.
### The Early Overseas Game in Ireland
In 2025, the NFL continues its push to globalize the sport with a series of games set to take place across the world. The Steelers vs. Ravens matchup in Dublin is part of this effort to bring the sport to an international audience, tapping into the growing fanbase in Europe. The game will be historic in several ways, as it marks one of the first meetings between these AFC North rivals on foreign soil, and it provides an opportunity for both teams to showcase their talents on a global stage.
However, playing an overseas game so early in the season comes with its challenges. Teams must deal with long travel, significant time zone changes, and disruptions to their normal schedule. All of these factors can contribute to fatigue, reduced performance, and potential injuries. For the Steelers, who have a storied franchise with high expectations, how they manage these challenges will be critical to their success not just in the Ireland game, but throughout the season.
### The Unique Challenge of Early Overseas Games
When the NFL scheduled the Steelers and Ravens for an overseas game in Ireland, they set the teams up for what is essentially a unique “road trip” that requires careful consideration. This early season international game presents specific hurdles that must be addressed head-on by coaches, staff, and players.
The trip to Dublin will involve a significant time zone shift—approximately 5-6 hours ahead of Pittsburgh—and a lengthy flight across the Atlantic. These factors can disrupt a team’s internal clock, leading to sleep issues, fatigue, and decreased physical readiness. While there are always concerns surrounding these international games, the timing of this matchup—so early in the season—only compounds the challenge. The team won’t yet have a rhythm in terms of game preparation or in-game adjustments, which can make it harder to prepare for a game that will already have plenty of unknowns.
On top of this, there are practical logistics to consider. The Steelers will need to account for travel delays, player rest periods, and possible shifts in practice schedules to ensure that players are physically ready to perform. Unlike the traditional “home” or “away” games in the NFL, the unpredictability of an overseas matchup complicates the preparation process and requires even more planning and adaptability from the coaching staff.
### What the Ravens Can Teach the Steelers
The Baltimore Ravens have already gone through the experience of playing overseas, having participated in the NFL’s London games in the past. In 2017, the Ravens faced the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, marking their first international game. While every trip overseas presents unique challenges, the Ravens’ experience offers the Steelers a blueprint for how to manage such a major disruption to the regular schedule.
Here are several key takeaways from the Ravens’ past experiences in international games that the Steelers could adopt as they prepare for their own game in Ireland:
#### 1. **Adjust Travel Schedule Early**
One of the key factors for the Ravens in their trip to London was adjusting their travel schedule ahead of time. The Ravens departed for London earlier than many other teams, taking extra time to acclimate to the time difference and avoid fatigue when game day arrived. This type of proactive scheduling could prove to be essential for the Steelers, who would benefit from giving their players time to adjust before the game.
The Steelers could consider flying out as early as possible to give players a few days to rest, recover, and get used to the new time zone. The extra days in Europe could also be used for additional light practices and team bonding activities, which could help prepare them mentally and physically for the game.
#### 2. **Prioritize Rest and Recovery**
The Ravens’ experience in London also emphasized the importance of proper rest and recovery. Players are required to perform at the highest level, and disrupting their sleep schedules and physical routines can affect performance. The Ravens took measures to ensure that their players were well-rested by implementing lighter practice schedules and building in additional recovery time, particularly when it came to preventing injuries.
The Steelers could mirror this approach by ensuring that their players prioritize rest in the days leading up to the game. Rather than pushing too hard in practice sessions, the team can focus on maintaining sharpness through shorter, more focused practices and providing players with the downtime they need to recharge physically. This balance will be crucial for the Steelers’ ability to hit the field at full strength against the Ravens.
#### 3. **Keep the Routine as Normal as Possible**
While the trip to Ireland will undoubtedly be disruptive, the Ravens’ coaching staff emphasized the importance of keeping the team’s overall routine as normal as possible. This means maintaining consistent meetings, walkthroughs, and practices to ensure that players don’t feel too disoriented or out of their rhythm. While an international trip like this will never feel like a normal “home” game, sticking as closely as possible to the regular schedule—while accounting for the jet lag and time difference—was a key aspect of the Ravens’ success.
For the Steelers, this might mean keeping their meetings, training sessions, and even the team’s dietary habits aligned with their typical home schedule, albeit with minor adjustments to accommodate the overseas game. The team can also use the time difference as an opportunity to practice mental toughness and discipline, reinforcing the importance of focus even in a nontraditional game-week environment.
#### 4. **Leverage the Team’s Leadership**
Veteran players and team leaders are always essential in navigating unique challenges, and they become even more crucial during an overseas game. The Ravens’ veterans played a significant role in setting the tone during their international trip, and their experience helped keep the team mentally and physically prepared for the task ahead.
For the Steelers, leadership will be key in maintaining composure and focus. Players like Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, and newly minted team captain Kenny Pickett will need to step up and lead by example, ensuring that the team stays grounded and focused despite the distractions of the international game. Their presence in the locker room and their approach to game preparation will be critical in ensuring the Steelers perform at their highest level in Dublin.
#### 5. **Mindful Post-Game Strategy**
While the immediate focus is on the Ireland game, the Ravens’ experience also highlighted the importance of managing the aftermath of such a trip. Coming off an overseas game, teams often experience some fatigue and need a period to re-adjust once they return home. For the Steelers, managing this post-game phase will be vital, particularly as they prepare for the rest of their season.
The Steelers will need to plan for adequate recovery time when they return from Ireland, allowing players to get back to their normal routines and avoid injuries that might result from the physical toll of the international game.
### Conclusion
As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for their historic overseas matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Dublin, Ireland, they face a unique challenge. Playing in an international game early in the season introduces significant logistical and physical obstacles, but it also presents an opportunity for growth and adaptation. By taking a page out of the Ravens’ playbook, the Steelers can learn from their previous experience managing such games, ensuring that they not only handle the travel and time zone changes effectively but also keep their focus on the long-term goal: winning football games.
With careful planning, prioritization of rest, and strong leadership, the Steelers can navigate their overseas trip and put themselves in a position to succeed both in Ireland and throughout the 2025 NFL season. The key is to treat the international game as an important but manageable part of the season, rather than a distraction, and use it as an opportunity to showcase their resilience and adaptability.
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