ATLANTA – It was a perfect ending to a perfect preseason for the Steelers.
They not only went 3-0, winning all of their games in convincing fashion, the first-team offense added two more touchdown drives to its ledger, making that group 5-for-5 scoring touchdowns in the warmup for the 2023 season.
And, oh by the way, the Steelers made it through the process without a major injury to a front-line player, perhaps the most significant part of that equation.
Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren capped off the two possessions in which the first-team offense was on the field Thursday night with touchdown runs, as the Steelers made short work of the Atlanta Falcons here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 24-0, to close out their preseason.
Kenny Pickett completed all four of his passes in this game for 86 yards to help set up the touchdown runs by Harris and Warren.
That left Pickett at 13 of 15 for 199 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in the preseason, a passer rating of a perfect 158.3.
Even though Atlanta didn't play any of their starters, the Steelers felt it was important to perform well.
"It was solidifying the preseason and finishing strong," said Pickett. "Going out there and putting points on the board was really our goal. We went 2-for-2 in touchdowns, so that's a really good sign."
Pickett connected with Diontae Johnson for a 33-yard gain on third-and-5, hitting Johnson down the left sideline, then completed a 35-yard pass to George Pickens down the right sideline to the Atlanta 1 to set up Harris' score to cap off a 92-yard drive.
The catch was what has become vintage Pickens, as he reached above cornerback Natrone Brooks to haul in the pass while contorting his body to keep his feet in bounds.
The Steelers defense got a three-and-out on the ensuing Atlanta possession, as T.J. Watt – seeing limited duty – picked up a second-down sack to put the Falcons further behind the chains after Elandon Roberts had a 4-yard tackle for a loss on first down.
Calvin Austin III returned the ensuing punt 21 yards to the Atlanta 29, and Pickett and company made quick work of the Falcons again. He connected with Harris for a 16-yard gain on a screen, and Harris then gained 5 yards to put the ball at the Atlanta 8.
Warren then scored through a giant hole on the right side of the line to make it 14-0.
As it has throughout this preseason, the offense, defense and special teams all worked hand in hand.
"That's how it's supposed to work," said linebacker Alex Highsmith. "We're supposed to stop them so the offense can get good field position. The offense does what they do and goes down there and scores. Overall, it was a team win, all three phases did well."
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had seen enough of his first-team offense at that point and subbed in his second unit.
It fared nearly as well, as the defense got another three-and-out and Mitch Trubisky led a pair of scoring drives, the first two set up a 38-yard Chris Boswell field goal at the end of the first quarter, the second a 5-yard touchdown run by Anthony McFarland that made it 24-0.
At that point, the Steelers had outgained the Falcons 220-8 in total yards. They held a 253-55 advantage over Atlanta in total yards in the first half.
The Falcons finally put together a sustained drive to open the second half, but cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and linebacker Mark Robinson forced a Carlos Washington fumble at the Pittsburgh 5 that safety Kenny Robinson scooped up to end the Atlanta threat and preserve the shutout even though it came against Atlanta's backups.
"It doesn't matter," said Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson, a 13-year veteran. "They're pros. That's their fault they didn't have their guys out there. This is my first preseason shutout and second of my career. I had one against the Giants in maybe 2020 or maybe (2019). That was pretty awesome. Anytime a defense can get a shutout, that's always rewarding because that's something you always shoot for, keeping guys out of the end zone, and that's what we were able to do."
Watt, Roberts, Toby Ndukwe, Quincy Roche and rookie Nick Herbig had sacks for the Steelers. Herbig's sack gave the fourth-round draft pick a team-best 3.5 in the preseason, while Roche's sack forced a fumble the Steelers recovered just before the two-minute warning.
McFarland paced the Steelers' rushing attack, which produced 175 yards, 10 carries for 55 yards, including a 31-yard run.
Kenny Pickett completed all four of his passes in this game for 86 yards to help set up the touchdown runs by Harris and Warren.
That left Pickett at 13 of 15 for 199 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in the preseason, a passer rating of a perfect 158.3.
He connected with Diontae Johnson for a 33-yard gain on third-and-5, hitting Johnson down the left sideline, then completed a 35-yard pass to George Pickens down the right sideline to the Atlanta 1 to set up Harris' score to cap off a 92-yard drive.
The catch was what has become vintage Pickens, as he reached above cornerback Natrone Brooks to haul in the pass while contorting his body to keep his feet in bounds.
The Steelers defense got a three-and-out on the ensuing Atlanta possession, as T.J. Watt – seeing limited duty – picked up a second-down sack to put the Falcons further behind the chains after Elandon Roberts had a 4-yard tackle for a loss on first down.
Calvin Austin III returned the ensuing punt 21 yards to the Atlanta 29, and Pickett and company made quick work of the Falcons again. He connected with Harris for a 16-yard gain on a screen, and Harris then gained 5 yards to put the ball at the Atlanta 8.
Game action photos from the Week 3 preseason game at the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Pressley Harvin III (6) and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Kwon Alexander (26) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Pressley Harvin III (6) and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) and Pittsburgh Steelers center Ryan McCollum (62) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (26) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (26) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (26) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kenny Robinson (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Kwon Alexander (26) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Kendrick Green (53) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (26) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kenny Robinson (41) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Armon Watts (94) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Madre Harper (38) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Rodney Williams (87) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Trenton Thompson (17) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard William Dunkle (68) and Pittsburgh Steelers center Kendrick Green (53) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jalen Elliott (16) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Braden Mann (4) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Quincy Roche (48) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Tanner Morgan (5) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Toby Ndukwe (45) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Toby Ndukwe (45) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Quincy Roche (48) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Toby Ndukwe (45) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fan during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Warren then scored through a giant hole on the right side of the line to make it 14-0.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had seen enough of his first-team offense at that point and subbed in his second unit.
It fared nearly as well, as the defense got another three-and-out and Mitch Trubisky led a pair of scoring drives, the first two set up a 38-yard Chris Boswell field goal at the end of the first quarter, the second a 5-yard touchdown run by Anthony McFarland that made it 24-0.
At that point, the Steelers had outgained the Falcons 220-8 in total yards. They held a 253-55 advantage over Atlanta in total yards in the first half.
The Falcons finally put together a sustained drive to open the second half, but cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and linebacker Mark Robinson forced a Carlos Washington fumble at the Pittsburgh 5 that safety Kenny Robinson scooped up to end the Atlanta threat.
Watt, Roberts, Toby Ndukwe, Quincy Roche and rookie Nick Herbig had sacks for the Steelers. Herbig's sack gave the fourth-round draft pick a team-best 3.5 in the preseason, while Roche's sack forced a fumble the Steelers recovered just before the two-minute warning.
McFarland paced the Steelers' rushing attack, which produced 175 yards, 10 carries for 55 yards, including a 31-yard run.
