It didn't take long for a Pittsburgh Steelers newcomer to make a difference on his new team. DeShon Elliott is already showing the front office why they made a great decision pairing him with Minkah Fitzpatrick in the secondary.
After cornerback Donte Jackson dropped an easy Kirk Cousins interception on the first defensive series of the game, Elliott wasn't about to let an opportunity slip through his fingers (literally).
Late in the first quarter with the game knotted 3-3, the veteran safety nabbed an outstanding interception to give the Steelers the ball at midfield.
DeShon Elliott with the INT in his #Steelers debut‼️
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 8, 2024
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Steelers already getting their money's worth out of DeShon Elliott
Elliott's pick came at an opportune time, as Atlanta's crowd was raging and Pittsburgh struggled on their first offensive series.
The Steelers have their work cut out for him, and one early interception won't be enough to change the outcome of the game. Things are getting chippy and the intensity is only going to pick up from here.
Just minutes after Elliott intercepted Cousins, Najee Harris got his helmet ripped off after a punishing run against the Falcons' defense. It will be important for Mike Tomlin's team to keep their cool and composure if they want to emerge victorious.
Elliott's splash play is hopefully the first of many to come for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This defense has had opportunities in the secondary against the Falcons, and it's nice to see Elliott take advantage.
At the end of the first quarter, the Steelers and Falcons were tied at 3-3. If the offense can't get things going, it will be up to the defense to make things happen in Week 1. What else is new?