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Pittsburgh Steelers: Five players who stood out against the Atlanta Falcons

By Chris Halicke

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 07: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball in the first quarter during the game Atlanta Falcons at Heinz Field on October 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 07: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball in the first quarter during the game Atlanta Falcons at Heinz Field on October 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 07: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with teammates after a sack of Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on October 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 07: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with teammates after a sack of Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on October 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

L.J. Fort

In a game where the Steelers were missing their most experienced inside linebacker in Vince Williams, the Steelers needed someone to step up today.

Tyler Matakevich got the start next to Jon Bostic today, but L.J. Fort was the one who made the biggest impact. Fort looked great in pass coverage and recovered the strip sack by Watt in the end zone that put six points on the board. He also totaled six tackles, all of them solo, along with a sack.

Tomlin’s mantra of the “next man up” was truly embodied by Fort. Call it whatever you want, but Fort seized the opportunity he was given by making plays in the middle of the Steelers’ defense.

This truly is a great boost of confidence. The biggest weakness of the Steelers’ defense is depth (and lack of talent) at inside linebacker. L.J. Fort showed that he is worthy of getting more reps. It was a truly inspiring performance.

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