The wait is over—NFL football is back, and the Steelers are set to open their season in Atlanta against the Falcons this Sunday. After an unprecedented offseason filled with bold moves, it’s time to see if those efforts will pay off in what promises to be an exciting and challenging season opener.
The Falcons, with a completely revamped coaching staff and a roster full of new talent, are expected to be strong playoff contenders in the NFC. This matchup will be a true test for Pittsburgh, as several key Falcons players could pose significant challenges. Here are the players the Steelers need to watch and game plan for.
Offensive players to look out for:
QB, Kirk Cousins
After tearing his Achilles last year, Kirk Cousins inked a four-year deal worth up to $180 million to join the Falcons during free agency. It will be intriguing to see if Cousins can regain his pre-injury form, especially at 36 years old. Despite the injury and age, he's still considered a top 10-15 quarterback in the NFL. For the Falcons, this marks their most significant quarterback upgrade since the prime years of Matt Ryan. With an already talented offense and the addition of new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who brings a Sean McVay-style system, this offense could be one of the league's most dynamic on paper.
RB, Bijan Robinson
Bijan Robinson is quickly emerging as a superstar running back, poised to be a game-changer in any offense—especially in a McVay-led system where his skills can truly thrive. His versatility, particularly as an elite receiver out of the backfield, could present serious challenges for the Steelers, adding another layer of complexity to defending him.
RG, Chris Lindstrom
One of the top guards in the league and a dominant presence in the run game, Lindstrom's battle in the trenches against Heyward and Benton promises to be a thrilling matchup to watch.
WR, Drake London
The former 8th overall pick is ready to finally live up to his high draft status. After two seasons of solid production despite inconsistent QB play, he’s now in a perfect situation to shine with Kirk Cousins at the helm. Cousins has a track record of his wide receivers putting up big seasons, and Drake London is expected to be his primary target. With the passing game likely to feature London heavily, he’s set to receive 10+ targets per game and is primed for a breakout year.
TE, Kyle Pitts
Another high-potential player who has yet to meet expectations is primed for a breakout season under a new quarterback. With his rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism, Kyle Pitts poses a serious mismatch for any linebacker. If he stays healthy, he could emerge as a go-to target. Just as Kirk Cousins helped elevate T.J. Hockenson into one of the league’s top tight ends, Pitts has the tools to thrive in a similar role and capitalize on his talent this year.
Defensive players to look out for:
S, Jessie Bates
One of the league's top safeties, coming off his best season yet, is set to thrive even more with the new talent added to the defensive lineup. With the addition of new head coach Raheem Morris, this previously struggling defense is poised to become a strong and reliable unit under his watch.
CB, AJ Terrell
Another standout talent in the league is a shutdown corner who will probably be assigned to cover George Pickens for the entire game. This matchup promises to be a great test for Pickens and could provide a clear measure of just how exceptional he could be.
DL, Grady Jarrett
After returning from an ACL injury last year, it will be interesting to see how he bounces back. When healthy, he’s among the top defensive linemen in the NFL, so he’ll be a significant challenge. Zach Frazier and Spencer Anderson, making their first career starts, will certainly have their work cut out for them.
OLB, Matthew Judon
The Falcons recently acquired Judon from the Patriots, a move that could significantly bolster their defense. Throughout his career, Judon has been a reliable and effective pass rusher, though he did miss most of last season due to injury. His addition fills a crucial gap for the Falcons, providing the pass-rushing boost they’ve been seeking and giving their secondary the support it needs to thrive.
S, Justin Simmons
The Falcons made a strategic move this summer by signing a standout player to partner with Jessie Bates. With the addition of Simmons, Atlanta has assembled the premier safety tandem in the league.
Final thoughts:
This Falcons team is set to be a tough challenge for the Steelers, with talent spread throughout their roster. Atlanta’s top players will be a handful for Pittsburgh to game plan around, but the Steelers’ lineup matches up well against the Falcons. Sunday's matchup promises to be one of the highlights of the Week 1 slate and will give fans a valuable early glimpse into what we can expect from the Steelers in 2024.