It never has to be pretty, particularly the first time out, but at the end of the season they never ask how. They just ask how many.
And the Steelers are 1-0, with a 20-13 victory against Atlanta in their first regular-season game under head coach Mike McCarthy. He received a game ball in the locker room afterward from none other than quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
"It's a great feeling, without a doubt," McCarthy said. "I'm glad it's by us. It was emotional the whole day today."
A win is a win, even if the Steelers had to grind it out a bit Sunday afternoon at Acrisure Stadium. The Falcons were knocking on the door until a familiar face kicked the door down.
The defense did what it's supposed to do against a third-string quarterback, with T.J. Watt leading the way as we've seen so many times before. And much like he's done to Joe Burrow and Carson Wentz, this time it was Cooper Rush who got a firsthand look at Watt's patented pass-rush jump.
Watt got his hands up, snagged the ball, and even went to the ground briefly before popping right back up to polish off a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown. It was his third career touchdown but his first career pick-six.
"In practice I just try to tip passes as much as I can, trying to be as ball-aware as possible," Watt said, "But I don't practice stuff like that."
That made it 20-10 just 55 seconds into the fourth quarter. While Watt's heroics were the high point, it was a total team effort from his side. Watt and Alex Highsmith both notched a couple of sacks, Jaquan Brisker picked off a pass, Cam Heyward batted down three passes at the line of scrimmage and Payton Wilson showed up all over the field with 12 tackles, including two for a loss.
Jamel Dean and Jalen Ramsey each also forced a fumble, but the ball didn't bounce the Steelers' way as the Falcons recovered both. Maybe more impressive was the way they limited Rush's top two targets. Wideout Drake London had just 2 catches for 29 yards on 4 targets and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. was shut out entirely as Rush targeted him only once.
"Certainly, the holding penalties, the batted balls, those are opportunities you're not getting in the pass game," said Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski.
Falcons running back Bijan Robinson was much more of a problem, racking up 173 yards of offense and a touchdown. But the Steelers found their own running game when it mattered most, closing out the game with Jaylen Warren ripping off a 9-yard rush for a first-down going into the 2-minute warning as the Falcons were out of timeouts.
Game action photos from the Steelers' Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (13) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (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. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (13) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (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. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (10) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) and Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (19) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (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. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51), Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Rayshawn Jenkins (20) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Rayshawn Jenkins (20) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day (69) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Rayshawn Jenkins (20) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (13) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker (3), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
\ps88during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (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. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Mariah Wild / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (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. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Rayshawn Jenkins (20) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (94) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (94) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Rayshawn Jenkins (20) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (19) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (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. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Mariah Wild / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Mariah Wild / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Mariah Wild / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (/Unknown / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day (69) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (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. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (13) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (94) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Rayshawn Jenkins (20) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (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. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Mariah Wild / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Mariah Wild / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (/Unknown / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Max Iheanachor (71) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (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. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (13) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Mariah Wild / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (94) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (94) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day (69), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Rayshawn Jenkins (20) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker (3), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Aaron Rodgers turned in some jaw-dropping throws, finishing with 221 yards and a touchdown on 24-of-40 passing. Offseason acquisition Michael Pittman Jr. led the way with 58 receiving yards on 3 receptions while Pat Freiermuth chipped in 5 catches for 46 yards and the first touchdown of the season.
The Steelers struck first with a 43-yard Chris Boswell field goal on their second possession, not quite midway through the first quarter, but the Falcons got on the board with the first touchdown.
After a Warren fumble in his own territory, forced by Falcons defensive lineman Cameron Thomas crashing into him, Rush hit Robinson on a swing pass to his right. Robinson turned on the jets from there, taking off for a 23-yard score.
But the Steelers defense responded by giving Rodgers a short field of his own. When Rush overthrew Jahan Dotson over the middle of the field, Brisker was there waiting to pick it off. Brisker made the interception at the Atlanta 41 and returned it 10 yards to the 31.
From there, the Steelers needed just four plays to find the end zone. McCarthy dialed up a double reverse pass on which DK Metcalf was double-covered in the end zone, so Rodgers looked underneath to Warren for 18 yards. After stalling in the red zone on the previous drive, it nearly happened again, but Rodgers wouldn't let it.
Rodgers extended the play on 3rd-and-3, kept his eyes up and eventually located Freiermuth in the back of the end zone. Freiermuth got both feet down for a 6-yard touchdown, putting the Steelers ahead 13-7 with 10:39 left in the first half.
They didn't exactly pull away from there, but there's a lot of season left. Freiermuth expects to have some company in the end zone soon from someone else on offense.
"At the end of the day, winning in September is just trying to get it done, and we did that today," Freiermuth said. "No matter what it looks like, as long as we can keep stacking wins after this ... we'll be all right."
