### Steelers Risk Repeating Past Mistakes as They Prepare for Ireland Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for their upcoming game in Ireland, but concerns have arisen that they may be repeating past mistakes from a previous international venture. According to Steelers president Art Rooney II, the team plans to stick to a similar itinerary as their trip to London in 2013, despite player feedback suggesting that their travel schedule contributed to a subpar performance.

"From our point of view, I don't think a lot has changed," Rooney stated in an interview with Missi Matthews for the Steelers' website. "I think we're planning to leave similar to what we did for the last international trip [in London]. Probably leave on Thursday and practice there on Friday and Saturday and have the game on Sunday and fly out Sunday night. I don't think it'll be too much different from the last trip."

This approach is concerning for some, particularly defensive stalwart Cameron Heyward. Recalling the London trip, Heyward described the travel plans as "the worst thing we did for that trip," noting that the team's late departure left them exhausted. The team left Pittsburgh on a Thursday night, practiced immediately upon arrival, and struggled to adjust to the new time zone.

Former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who also participated in the London game, echoed these sentiments earlier this year. "That was such a big mistake," Roethlisberger lamented, referring to the team's tight schedule and the resulting fatigue. "We were so exhausted and gassed."

While Rooney did mention that the plan is still under review, saying, "It's been a long time since we've done it, so we'll have to look into what other teams have been doing lately," the current plan seems to closely mirror the one already deemed problematic by players.

The Steelers' game in Ireland is set for a 2:30 PM local kickoff, which equates to 9:30 AM EST—a five-hour time difference that poses significant challenges. With the flight from Pittsburgh to Dublin taking over seven hours, adjusting to the new time zone and mitigating jet lag will be critical for the team's performance.

In contrast to the Steelers' plans, in 2013 the Minnesota Vikings, their opponents, traveled to London on Monday, providing ample time to acclimate. The Steelers' insistence on a Thursday departure could see them facing similar fatigue issues, potentially impacting their performance on the field.

As the NFL continues to expand its international footprint, teams must learn to adapt to these unique challenges. For the Steelers, venturing onto the Rooney family's ancestral grounds in Ireland might be an opportunity for exploration and bonding—but only if they can manage the demanding logistics effectively.