ATLANTA - Who says defense and running the ball can't still win in the NFL?
That was the recipe for a season-opening victory for the Steelers Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against the Falcons.
The Steelers didn't so much beat the Falcons, 18-10, as the final score indicates. They beat them into submission.
Atlanta had 175 yards of total offense in the first half and was 2 of 4 on third down conversions. In the second half, the Falcons ran 21 plays for 51 yards and went 0 for 5 on third down conversions.
Meanwhile, the Steelers offense – while not scoring touchdowns – was churning up yards on the ground.
The final numbers, 41 carries for 137 yards, don't tell the true story of how the Steelers dictated to the Falcons the style and pace of this game.
Najee Harris had six carries for 23 yards in the first half. He finished with 70 rushing yards on 20 attempts, many of them with him running into loaded boxes in the fourth quarter.
The Steelers rushed for 88 yards as a team in the second half, wearing the Falcons down and keeping their offense standing on the sidelines for long stretches.
"Absolutely," said second-year guard Spencer Anderson, who was making his first career start next to rookie center Zach Frazier. "They were kind of tired. Some things were said like, 'Man, can we get a pass play?' Us as o-linemen were like, no, let's just keep punishing them. I don't know how much we had on the ground, but we executed our game plan pretty well."
Credit new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith with formulating a game plan and sticking with it.
It's not easy to do that when you're kicking field goals – six total – instead of scoring touchdowns. But when you know your defense also is doing its job at a high level, it certainly makes it easier.
And when you're playing a backup quarterback, even one as talented as Justin Fields, that's the recipe to win.
"It's gotta be," said defensive tackle Cam Heyward. "As a defense, we talk about getting off on third down. I think it comes down to execution. Early on, it was more just feeling things out and trying to get into a rhythm. Once we got used to what they were doing, we kind of settled in."
That made the Steelers' run-heavy offensive game plan more palatable. Though the Falcons hit a play here or there in the first half, they couldn't do it consistently. And they couldn't do it at all in the second half when T.J. Watt took over the game.
"Game wrecker," new cornerback Donte Jackson said of Watt. "It's just a blessing to go out there and take the field with these kind of players. It lets you go out there and do your part."
Do your part.
That's what everyone did in this game. To steal a malaprop from former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher, this one "was not a Mozart."
It wasn't pretty. It wasn't filled with offensive highlights. But it was effective.
And it leaves the Steelers at 1-0 to start the season when the rest of the AFC North all dropped their openers.
• As Heyward said, the Steelers didn't know exactly what to expect from the Falcons in this game. Atlanta did not play any of its regulars on offense in the preseason and not only is quarterback Kirk Cousins new to the team, so is offensive play caller Zac Robinson, who joined the team after being quarterbacks coach for the Rams.
"We were watching a lot of Rams stuff because we didn't know what to expect on game day," said safety DeShon Elliott.
Once they figured out how the Falcons were attacking them, the coaching staff made in-game adjustments that shut Atlanta down.
"That first drive, they ran it down our throats, so we knew we had to settle in," said outside linebacker Alex Highsmith. "We didn't really know what their exact game plan was going to be. Once we figured that out, we made the necessary adjustments to shut down the run and really get after the passer."
The Falcons ran the ball 6 times for 29 yards on their opening possession, which ended when Watt had a tackle for a loss to push Atlanta back outside of the 10-yard line. That 13-play, 64-yard drive accounted for more yards than Atlanta had in the entire second half.
The Falcons did have one other lengthy drive in the game, that coming at the end of the first half, and it resulted in their lone touchdown. But even that was a learning moment for the Steelers.
When they went back to the same play later in the game, Jackson recognized it and turned it into a game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter.
"They had run that play to score," Jackson said. "When they were seeing three-high, they were trying to send a guy up the sideline. That's how Pitts got open on the sideline. It was an in-game adjustment. We knew they were going to come back to it. I just had to widen my vision and play the ball if it was there. Shout out to T.J. for getting the ball out and making him throw an errant pass. That's how we capitalized."
• Both Jackson and Elliott, two of the new pieces on the back end of this defense, had interceptions in this game.
That is the way you announce your presence with authority.
"No doubt," Jackson said. "I always pictured myself being an impact player on this defense. Stick me on the field with a bunch of great players and I'm always going to step up. I'm going to work my way to the top the best I can. And I know what type of player I am. I know what type of opportunity I have."
Game action photos from the Steelers' Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes Benz Stadium
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end MyCole Pruitt (81) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (74) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (57) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) and Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77), Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman James Daniels (78) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (57) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (57) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Rush (21) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers pose during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris following a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) following a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) following a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons pray following a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) following a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
• One of the big matchups going into this game was going to be Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. working against Atlanta's top wideout, Drake London.
Consider this about as lopsided a victory as you'll see.
London finished the game with two receptions for 15 yards on three targets, all of which came in the first half.
I asked Porter if London had played at all in the second half of this game.
"You tell me," Porter said. "What was his stat line?"
When told what it was, Porter just smiled.
"Yeah, he did a little warm up today," Porter said. "It was good."
Good indeed.
Porter has been shadowing the opposing team's best wide receiver since breaking into the starting lineup midway through last season. And this was yet another instance where he dominated the matchup
"That was the whole plan," Porter said of him shadowing London, the first receiver taken in the NFL Draft two years ago. "We've got the same body types. That was the main thing."
What was interesting about this matchup is that with new players at the second and third levels of the Steelers defense, they were still able to be effective employing this scheme.
Jackson and Elliott, though veterans, are new to the team at cornerback and safety. So are inside linebackers Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson, who was deployed as a nickel linebacker. And when Porter travels from side to side with London, everyone else's job duties change, as well.
Yet the Steelers did it seemingly with ease Sunday.
"Yeah. I feel like we're a very talented secondary," Porter said. "When there's matchups, we can spread around and guard guys. D-Jack can cover anybody on the field and I feel like I can do the same thing, so that's how we go."
• What can be said about Steelers' placekicker Chris Boswell that hasn't already been said?
He's one of the best in NFL history and showed it again in this game, converting all six of his field goal attempts, including a team-record three from beyond 50 yards, and also getting off a 43-yard punt after punter Cameron Johnston was injured late in the fourth quarter.
"We didn't win this game. Bos won this game," said Elliott. "Obviously, he's one of the best kickers in the NFL."
That's the thing with Boswell. While kickers such as Atlanta's Younghoe Koo get more publicity, he just goes about his job.
And when he kicks in a sterile environment such as indoors at Atlanta, he is basically in field goal range once the ball is across midfield.
It didn't even matter on his final kick that he didn't have Johnston, his normal holder, out there. Instead, it was wide receiver Scotty Miller.
"All I told him, wherever you put it down, just leave it," Boswell said of Miller. "Don't touch it. I'll figure out how to put it in."
He does that as well as anyone in the league today and better than anyone in team history.
• After the preseason, there were still plenty of questions about what the Steelers' offense would look like.
But Smith didn't tip his hand in the preseason, running a lot of vanilla schemes and utilizing 11 personnel way more than he did in this game.
Though the exact numbers aren't known just yet, there were multiple tight ends on the field for seemingly 90-plus percent of the offensive snaps the Steelers ran. And we also saw a lot of 13 personnel with three tight ends and a couple of plays with 14 personnel out there, meaning all four tight ends were on the field.
The Steelers went to that 14 package in the first half and caught the Falcons completely off guard, splitting all four tight ends wide along with the running back. Atlanta called a time out.
They went back to that look in the fourth quarter and Fields scrambled up the middle for a 5-yard gain on third down.
But the Steelers also can throw out of that package, which forces the defense to get bigger – and presumably slower.
"Absolutely," said Pat Freiermuth, one of those tight ends.
Freiermuth, who had four receptions for 27 yards on a conservative day for the Steelers throwing the ball, loves what the Steelers can do with their tight end mismatches.
"They had no idea what to do," Freiermuth said of the 14 personnel package. "That's one of Art's strong suits, being able to get personnel into situations and confuse the defense. I think we were able to do that."
• Fields played well within the game plan and didn't make any big mistakes.
The first snap of the game under center was mishandled – something that was an issue in the preseason – but he was able to jump on the loose ball.
He also bobbled another snap earlier in the game, which might have led to some of the conservative play calling.
They also avoided going at the strength of Atlanta's defense, which is safeties Jessie Bates and Justin Simmons.
"We definitely got off to a slow start," said Fields. "The first play, and then I missed the throw to Van (Jefferson). But after the first drive, I feel like we settled in a little bit and especially as the game went along definitely settled in.
"I don't have a reason (for the slow start), but that won't happen again."
Or it might just be that head coach Mike Tomlin knows when his team wins the turnover battle, it usually wins the game.
Since the start of the 2020 season, when the Steelers win the turnover battle, they're 29-7. When they lose it, they're 0-15-1.
So, while yes, you'd like to see the offense punch the ball into the end zone, not forcing things in a situation in which your defense is controlling the game also has great merit.
• It is feared that Johnston is lost for the season after getting rolled up on a punt in the fourth quarter.
That's a shame. He looked like he would be a weapon for the Steelers this season and averaged 51.5 yards on his two punts in this game.
• Winning on the road in the NFL is not easy. But Steelers fans do make it a little easier for the team.
The crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was split about 50-50 between Steelers and Falcons fans.
That's something players such as Jackson, who spent the first six years of his career with the Carolina Panthers, isn't used to seeing.
"That was new for me. I hadn't felt that kind of energy since college at LSU," Jackson said. "We used to travel well. It kind of had me really excited to get in here, especially when you see the fans in pre-game. We stayed across the street and you could see the tailgates. It was just exciting. It's always a good feeling when you're at an away game and they're doing silent counts."
It's appreciated and never taken for granted.
"Steelers Nation is incredible," said Watt. "It's extremely demoralizing for an offense to be on a silent count in their home field. Steelers Nation is incredible.
"Honestly, a lot of those plays go to them. The fumble that I was able to land on was because they had to be on a silent count at their own place. Anytime that happens when you have a lot of shifts and motions, snaps can go anywhere. Balls on the ground, you've got to recover. So, Steelers Nation was incredible, but I'm not surprised."
• Watt was the best player on the field Sunday. But that's nothing new. He might just be the best player in the entire NFL.
And his stat line doesn't truly show his impact on this game.
Often, the Falcons had to line tight end Kyle Pitts up on Watt's side of the formation to get a chip on Watt before he went out into a pass pattern.
Lining up in-line is certainly not Pitts' specialty. And the time he had to spend putting a chip in on Watt meant he delayed getting out into a pass pattern.
It also meant the Falcons couldn't move him around all over the formation and try to create mismatches with him, something that is the specialty of the 6-foot-6 tight end.
He also helped set the tone for the rest of the game when he dropped Bijan Robinson for a three-yard loss to force a field goal on Atlanta's opening drive.
He had seen enough and wasn't going to allow the Falcons to score in that situation.
From there, it was, again, the Steelers imposing their will on Atlanta.
"We weren't physical enough. Ultimately it's going out and being physical," said Highsmith. "I think we did a good job doing that the last three quarters."
Watt set that tone.
