ATLANTA - With starting quarterback Russell Wilson sitting out because of injury, the Steelers turned to a tried-and-true formula in their regular season opener Sunday at Atlanta.
The defense was stifling, particularly in the second half and the Steelers leaned heavily on the running game and the leg of placekicker Chris Boswell, who matched a team record with six field goals – three from more than 50 yards – as they defeated the Falcons, 18-10, here Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
With Wilson declared the emergency quarterback prior to the start of the game, backup Justin Fields got his first start for the Steelers and helped a rushing attack that churned out 137 yards.
That helped the Steelers (1-0) play keep away from Atlanta's offense, which was shut out and failed to record a third-down conversion in the second half.
"I'm just really appreciative of the effort of our guys," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. "Obviously, we weren't perfect. There were Week 1-like things, particularly early on in the game. We warmed up to it defensively early.
"We've got things to work on, but it's good to work on your ills with a W, so we're going to do that."
Fields completed 17 of 23 passes for 156 yards and also rushed for 57 yards, while Najee Harris added 70 yards on the ground.
Both Wilson and Fields were acquired by the Steelers in the offseason, Wilson as a free agent, Fields via a trade with the Chicago Bears, as the team completely revamped its quarterback position.
Wilson first injured the calf during the conditioning test in training camp in late July. He missed the team's first preseason game after sitting out two weeks of practices, but returned to play in the second and third preseason games.
But the calf issue arose again on Thursday when he was limited in practice after reporting some tightness in the calf that day.
Wilson tested his calf in warmups, but head coach Mike Tomlin decided to err on the side of caution with the 35-year-old quarterback, choosing instead to go with Fields.
Though the offense was conservative in the first half, Fields led the Steelers to field goals on three of four first-half possessions as Boswell kicked field goals of 57, 51 and 44 yards in the first two quarters. The final field goal came as time expired in the first half, moments after the Falcons (0-1) scored the game's first touchdown to take a 10-6 lead with 32 seconds remaining in the half.
T.J. Watt appeared to have a strip-sack of Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins, but was ruled to have been offside on the play, negating the play on which the Steelers recovered the loose ball.
On the next play, Cousins rolled to his left to escape pressure and found tight end Kyle Pitts in the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown catch.
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)
But after hitting a couple of passes to running back Jaylen Warren and tight end Pat Freiermuth to pick up a first down, Fields rolled to his left and threw back across the field to the right side to find George Pickens for a 23-yard gain to set Boswell up for his final field goal to trim the lead to 10-9 at the half.
"We gave up a touchdown at the end of the half, but our offense got a field goal to respond," said Tomlin. "That was important."
The Steelers regained the lead midway through the third quarter. After going three-and-out on their opening possession of the second half – their first three-and-out of the game – the Steelers got the ball back when Atlanta had a bad snap and Watt fell on the loose ball at the Pittsburgh 38.
That helped set Boswell up for a 56-yard field goal as the Steelers grabbed a 12-10 lead.
The Steelers then got the ball back quickly again, as Montravius Adams picked up the team's first sack of the season to snuff out an Atlanta possession.
After the Atlanta punt, Fields connected with George Pickens for a 40-yard gain to the Atlanta 28. The drive stalled out, however, and Boswell kicked his fifth field goal of the game, this one from 40 yards to give the Steelers a 16-10 lead with 25 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
The Steelers quickly forced the Falcons into another punt on their next possession and could have put the game away. But Fields was stopped on fourth-and-inches at the Atlanta 6-yard line to turn the ball over on downs.
The drive, however, took more than 7 minutes off the clock and left the Falcons deep in their own territory.
The defense quickly forced another three-and-out, and the Falcons were forced to punt the ball back to the Steelers with just over 5 minutes remaining in the game.
The Steelers could not pick up a first down and were forced to punt. A Falcons player ran into punter Cameron Johnston, injuring him, but officials ruled that All-Pro special teams player Miles Killebrew had held the defender on the play, forcing a re-kick.
With Johnston injured, Boswell had to punt the second time, and his punt went 43 yards to the Atlanta 40. But two plays later, Jackson intercepted Cousins and returned the ball deep into Atlanta territory to ice the game.
"I can't say enough about Bos," said Tomlin. "Not only with the field goals, but that punt was timely."
The Steelers ran out most of the clock and forced Atlanta to burn all of its timeouts before Boswell booted his sixth field goal – this one from 25 yards – to make it 18-10 with 28 seconds remaining in the game.
Cousins, making his debut for the Falcons, completed 15 of 24 passes, but for just 148 yards and two interceptions. The Steelers also limited running back Bijan Robinson to 68 yards on 18 carries.
Watt had four tackles, including two for a loss, a sack and the fumble recovery to pace the defense.
