Fighting through it: The Steelers opened the 2024 season with an 18-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons, fighting until the end to come out of Week 1 with a 1-0 record.
"Man, I'm just really appreciative of the effort of our guys," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "It was a fight. Obviously, we weren't perfect. It was week one like things, particularly early on in the game. We warmed up to it defensively. We dropped a pick or something there early. They converted some third downs and started the game with a field goal.
"We had some fumbled C-Q exchanges on offense. We were shooting ourselves in the foot. Some drives got stopped. You kick field goals in a hostile environment versus a good group, you know you're in danger. I'm just really appreciative that we were able to get it done. We got things to work on. But it's really good to work on your ills with the W. And so, we're going to do that.
"You start the season, and it's 32 teams start this thing undefeated. It's just good to get your first win on the road. Half this league is obviously not going to be winners this week. And to get on the road and get out of the gate with a W, it's something that I respect and it's really exciting for the guys.
"I'm just really appreciative of how the team supported one another and fought through, and that's what teams do.
"Can't say enough about Boz (Chris Boswell) not only in terms of him kicking the ball, but that punt was timely. T.J. Watt always delivers when it gets thick. We don't take that for granted. We appreciate it. There was a lot of efforts to speak to, but largely, we're just thankful to come into this place and get this victory and move on with our journey."
And speaking of Boswell, it was his leg that accounted for all 18 points.
Boswell was six-for-six on field goal attempts, including hitting three from 50 plus yards (57, 51 and 56 respectfully). Boswell was also called to punt once after punter Cam Johnston left the game with an injury.
"We all know what he's capable of," said Tomlin. "I don't think anybody in that locker room is surprised by what he was able to do. As matter of fact, he loves it. I've been around this guy a long time. He wants the long ball. He's built for it. I think it's really displayed in my confidence in him. I don't have any hesitation to send him out there. As a matter of fact, I look forward to sending him out there because I know he relishes it. And so, we're thankful for that."
The Steelers also won the turnover battle, forcing three including two interceptions. Defensive backs DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson, both new additions to the defense this offseason, picked off Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. Linebacker T.J. Watt also recovered a fumble on an aborted play that Drew Dalman couldn't hold on to.
The defense held the Falcons to only 89 yards rushing, while Cousins completed 16 of 26 passes for 155 yards, two interceptions and two sacks, for a quarterback rating of 59.0.
"I'm appreciative of that, but to be quite honest with you, we've got high standards and expectations for this group," said Tomlin. "We've got some first team all-pros in that unit. I expect them to play like that, and they did. Big time players step up in big time moments. I can't say enough about No. 90 and company."
On the injury front, Tomlin categorized Johnston's injury as a 'serious' one.
"Cam Johnston appears to have a serious injury. I'll have an update for you next time we come together," said Tomlin. "It's a shame for him. This guy has been spectacular through team development. He's an absolute stud. Not only in his talents, but his approach to business. My heart goes out to him.
"Darius Rush is being evaluated for a concussion. I don't know whether it is, or it isn't, but as the game ended, he was being evaluated in that way. We had some bumps and bruises. Some guys go out, but those guys came back, Donte Jackson, Joey Porter Jr."
Keeping the momentum going: Quarterback Justin Fields, who was acquired by the Steelers via a trade with the Chicago Bears this offseason, started his first game in the black and gold, engineering an 18-10 win.
With Russell Wilson dealing with calf tightness and listed as the emergency quarterback on Sunday, it was Fields who would take charge of the offense.
"As I've gotten to know him, he is a real steady Eddie," said Coach Mike Tomlin of Fields. "He's not overly talkative, but he's got a steady, strong demeanor. Just being in stadium with some of the things that I've seen through team development were confirmed. It's good to be able to communicate with a guy when things get thick, and you see clear eyes. He's solid as a rock. His play and thus our play is kind of reflective of that."
Fields said he learned he would be starting after Wilson went out on the field early to test the calf.
"Russ came in after warming up and he told me that I was up," said Fields. "All week he was questionable, was trying to get his calf right and trying to get going.
"I always just had the mentality to be ready. I've been in a situation before out here my rookie year, so anything can happen. I just always have the mindset of be ready for anything."
Fields completed 17 of 23 passes for 156 yards. He also was a threat with his legs, rushing 14 times for 57 yards, a 4.1-yard average.
He acknowledged coming out of the gate slow, which included a fumbled center exchange on the first play, but settled in quickly and saw no panic in the offense.
"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."
Fields, who is from Kennesaw, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta, had a huge support system for him at the game and was happy to get the start in front of them.
"Personally, it was great. I have a bunch of family here. Family and friends, old high school teammates," said Fields. "Just the setting, I really couldn't ask for a better way. God sure does work in mysterious ways. I'm just thankful for him, just this moment with my team.
"Coming back home, being able to get the dub against the hometown team was great."
Fields said the key now is carrying that momentum into Week 2 against the Denver Broncos.
"It's definitely important having momentum going into Week 2 and starting off the season right," said Fields. "That was the biggest thing. Defense had a hell of a game. They played well, and our special teams did too. We want to put more points up on offense. But to come out with the win is very important to start the season off right."
Dominant again: Linebacker T.J. Watt did what he does best against the Falcons.
He dominated on defense.
Watt finished the game with four tackles, two of them solo stops, a sack for a nine-yard loss, three quarterback hits, two tackles for a loss and a fumble recovery as the icing on the cake.
Watt approaches every game with the passion of wanting to ball out for the defense, something that is just a part of who he is.
"I love it," said Watt. "This is the best job in the world. It's not hard for me to have a good time. I want to play the best football that I possibly can."
And a good time he had. Not only did Watt dominate, but he also enjoyed how Steelers Nation dominated, making it tough for the Falcons offense to operate.
Watt did his part to encourage them as well, being the perfect hype man as he got the crowd pumped.
"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."
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