The Pittsburgh Steelers opened the NFL season with a dominant defensive performance, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 18-10 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Steelers’ defense set the tone from the outset, holding the Falcons to just 2-for-9 on third-down conversions and forcing ten fruitless drives that only resulted in a single point each.
This gritty, swarming performance exemplified the Steelers' traditional commitment to tough, physical football, particularly on the defensive side.
T.J. Watt, the heart and soul of Pittsburgh’s defense, was once again a force off the edge, collecting a sack and applying constant pressure on Falcons’ quarterback Kirk Cousins. His presence disrupted Atlanta’s rhythm, making it difficult for their offense to establish any flow. Alongside Watt, Montravius Adams also made his mark, bringing down Cousins for a critical sack that halted a promising Falcons drive.
Beyond the sacks, Pittsburgh’s front line consistently made their presence felt, hitting Cousins seven times throughout the game. These quarterback hits not only rattled Cousins but forced rushed throws and disrupted his timing with his receivers.
Steelers' pressure and splash plays vs. Falcons were a thing of beauty
The unrelenting pressure from the Steelers' front four allowed the secondary to capitalize on errant passes, and both Deshon Elliot and Donte Jackson were beneficiaries of the defensive havoc.
Elliot and Jackson’s interceptions were critical momentum swings for Pittsburgh. Both players demonstrated excellent awareness, capitalizing on poorly placed throws under duress.
These turnovers crushed any momentum Atlanta tried to build, further fueling Pittsburgh’s dominance on defense. The ability to force turnovers and disrupt the passing game showcased the complete effort by the defense, from the defensive line to the secondary.
The Steelers' defense took control of the game in crucial situations, never allowing the Falcons to sustain drives. Atlanta’s third-down struggles were a testament to Pittsburgh’s ability to clamp down when it mattered most. Kirk Cousins found himself constantly under siege, unable to find time to make plays or stretch the field.
While the Steelers' offense did just enough to secure the win, the defense stole the show in Week 1. The combination of relentless pressure from the front line and opportunistic play from the secondary ensured that the Falcons could only muster 10 points in a game where they struggled to find any rhythm.