The Pittsburgh Steelers got off to a strong start with a 20-13 win over the Falcons. It wasn't a pretty game by any means, but Pittsburgh got the win, which is all that matters.
Mike McCarthy's offense didn't seem to change much for Pittsburgh in his first game calling plays, but the defense rose to the occasion to help keep Atlanta from pulling off the upset.
Despite the win, this team has a lot of work to do if they want to continue their win streak. There are some winners naturally from this game, but there are some losers worth noting as well.
Pittsburgh Steelers got a mixed bag of winners and losers from a close victory over the Falcons
Winners: T.J. Watt
Easily the biggest winner from this game, it felt like T.J. Watt was back to his old ways in this one. While his burst and speed don't feel like what they used to be, he wreaked havoc this week.
Two sacks, and both were high quality. Most importantly, he got a pick-six, which ultimately won the game. He was versatile, effective, and dominant. More of that, please.
Winner: Alex Highsmith
Right behind Watt, Alex Highsmith also got off to a strong start with a two-sack performance. He won with a variety of moves and consistently beat Jake Matthews, a solid offensive tackle. Watt was flashier, but Highsmith was right behind him for best of the week.
Winner: Payton Wilson
A player in need of a huge season, Payton Wilson showed that he took some major steps forward in his first game. He was far more aggressive than he had been in the past, and he was explosive while getting off his blocks.
This was a great way to start the year, and if it continues, Wilson will quickly become a name worthy of a new contract in 2027.
Winner: Pat Freiermuth
The offense was a mixed bag this week, but it was refreshing to see Pat Freiermuth have a solid outing after a miserable 2025. While his stats weren't gaudy, he was arguably the team's best receiver.
With some other names falling flat, Freiermuth could quickly settle into a prominent role. It feels like he could consistently have games like this.
Loser: DK Metcalf
For a guy who is getting paid like a top receiver in the league, you need more from DK Metcalf. Despite being touted as the top target for this offense, he felt like a wreck this week.
From drops to penalties, it was a sloppy game for the star receiver. They needed a bigger game from their top target.
Loser: The Run Game
The offense didn't have a strong outing in Week 1. The plan felt conservative, like the Steelers didn't care to win this game; they just didn't want to lose it. It took a defensive touchdown to actually beat the Falcons.
With the conservative plan, the run game faltered. The Falcons' defense stacked the box, and the Steelers had no effective way to counter it. It felt like a lackluster plan that would need to be sharpened against a better opponent.
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