Steelers Win Opener
Steelers Open Mike McCarthy Era With 20-13 Victory Over Atlanta Falcons
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Key Points
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T.J. Watt’s performance came after his sack production had fallen from 19 in 2023 to 11.5 in 2024 and seven in 2025, making his two sacks, three tackles for loss and pick-six a notable rebound. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said his scheme is designed to create one-on-one matchups rather than simply free rushers, potentially helping Watt against frequent chips and double-teams.
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Cooper Rush was not only inserted into the starting lineup late in the week but was also dealing with back spasms as late as Saturday; The Athletic reported that Atlanta’s veteran offensive line was overwhelmed by Pittsburgh’s front seven, making it difficult for the Falcons to sustain drives.
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Pittsburgh elevated cornerback Doneiko Slaughter from its practice squad to address the depth problem created by Joey Porter Jr.’s absence. Slaughter can play both outside and slot cornerback and contribute on special teams, but he can appear in only three games before the Steelers would need to add him to the 53-man roster.
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Atlanta right guard Chris Lindstrom was initially cleared to return after being evaluated for a concussion, but he had to leave the game again and was later ruled out, eventually being seen heading toward the blue medical tent.
The Pittsburgh Steelers opened Mike McCarthy's tenure with a messy 20-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, relying on T.J. Watt's late heroics to escape CBS News. Watt returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, adding two sacks and three tackles for loss in a dominant defensive performance The New York Times. The game was marred by 16 accepted penalties, dropped passes, and missed kicks on both sides.
Aaron Rodgers threw for 221 yards and one touchdown in his 22nd and final season, but Pittsburgh's offense sputtered throughout Yahoo Sports. Atlanta's Cooper Rush, inserted into the starting lineup while dealing with back spasms, completed just 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards and two interceptions The Athletic. Running back Bijan Robinson did the heavy lifting for the Falcons, producing 173 of Atlanta's 238 total yards.
Watt's Rebound After Sack Drought
Watt's dominant performance marks a turnaround after declining production. He recorded 19 sacks in 2023, then 11.5 in 2024, and just seven through 2025 Yahoo Sports. His two-sack, three-tackle-for-loss performance against Atlanta suggests Pittsburgh's defensive scheme may unlock his potential. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham designs plays to create one-on-one matchups rather than simply free rushers, which should help Watt win against frequent chips and double-teams.
Atlanta's Quarterback Crisis Deepens
Cooper Rush took the field despite back spasms that plagued him through Saturday, stepping in because Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. were injured The Athletic. His 143 yards on 12-of-22 passing left Atlanta's offense stalled. Pittsburgh's front seven overwhelmed the Falcons' veteran offensive line, forcing Atlanta to lean entirely on Robinson in the ground game.
The injury crisis spread further when right guard Chris Lindstrom left the game with a concussion The New York Times. He was initially cleared to return but had to leave again, heading toward the blue medical tent. The loss stripped Atlanta of crucial pass protection against Pittsburgh's relentless defense.
Pittsburgh's Practice Squad Depth Gamble
The Steelers elevated cornerback Doneiko Slaughter from the practice squad to cover for Joey Porter Jr., who missed the game with a back injury and contract uncertainty. Slaughter can play both outside and slot cornerback and contribute on special teams, providing flexible roster insurance without using a permanent 53-man roster spot. However, he can appear in only three games before Pittsburgh must formally sign him to the active roster.
McCarthy's Messy Beginning Sets Tone
Pittsburgh's victory came despite 16 accepted penalties, missed kicks, and dropped passes scattered across both teams WGAL. The offense failed to sustain drives consistently, forcing the defense to carry the load. McCarthy's debut showcased both his defensive prowess and offensive struggles, a pattern that will likely define the Steelers' season if not corrected quickly CBS News.
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