The NFL season is finally here, and Week 1 is packed with exciting matchups. Among the top games is the Steelers vs. Falcons showdown, where both teams come in after an offseason full of changes.
With the Steelers heading into Atlanta as underdogs, they’ll need to focus on three key factors to secure a win on the road.
Key Factor 1: No turnovers
Russell Wilson may have aggravated his calf injury once again, putting his Week 1 status in doubt. If he can't go, it’s likely Justin Fields will get the start. For the Steelers to have any shot at winning, they’ll need to avoid turnovers at all costs.
Fields has struggled with turnovers, particularly fumbles, throughout his career, and if the ball ends up on the ground, it could spell disaster for Pittsburgh. If Fields does take the field, it’s a golden opportunity for him to win over Mike Tomlin by playing turnover-free football.
Playing a clean, mistake-free game could be his ticket to securing the starting job long-term.
Key Factor 2: Chew up the time of possession
The Steelers hired Arthur Smith and used this year’s draft to bolster the offensive line, selecting three linemen with the goal of building one of the NFL’s top rushing attacks. The offense is designed to thrive on the ground, and success in the run game is critical to its overall effectiveness.
Quarterbacks like Wilson and Fields are at their best in play-action, which won’t be possible if the Steelers rely on dropping back to pass 30+ times per game. Their wide receiver group is underwhelming, and neither quarterback has consistently shown they can win from the pocket over the past two seasons.
In Week 1, when teams are trying to find their rhythm and defenses are settling in, running the ball will wear down the Falcons defense. If Pittsburgh can dominate the ground game, their path to victory lies in controlling time of possession, keeping their own defense fresh, and limiting Atlanta's offensive opportunities.
By keeping Kirk Cousins, in his first game as a Falcon, off the field, Pittsburgh can disrupt the timing and flow of Atlanta’s offense. The less time Cousins and his offense have to operate, the more Pittsburgh will benefit.
Key Factor 3: Create consistent pressure
The Steelers' front seven has the potential to be the best in the league, and with TJ Watt's track record in Week 1, he's bound to wreak havoc. Getting quick pressure will also help the secondary, forcing early throws and creating opportunities for takeaways. Kirk Cousins, coming off an Achilles injury, isn't much of a scrambling threat to begin with, and this setback could further limit his mobility.
The Steelers defense must capitalize by making him uncomfortable, especially since this will be his first game back since Week 8 of last year, so he's likely to shake off some rust. If the defense can consistently disrupt him—collapsing the pocket and preventing clean throws—they'll put themselves in a strong position.
With a focus on increasing athleticism and speed on defense, and the addition of Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, and then already having Nick Herbig, expect a range of blitz packages designed to keep the Atlanta offense on its heels.
Final Thoughts:
If these three keys to the game play out, the Steelers should leave Atlanta with a win. There are plenty of unknowns surrounding this team, and it's tough to predict what kind of squad we'll see from Pittsburgh this season.
One thing is certain, though: Mike Tomlin will have the defense ready. The real question is whether the offense can finally take that next leap, or if we'll see the typical rock fight games we've grown accustomed to.