The Steelers’ opened the Mike McCarthy era with a win on Sunday, and with lots of room for improvement.
TJ Watt had six tackles, four for a loss, along with two sacks and the game-winning score on his first career interception return for a touchdown as the Steelers outlasted the Atlanta Falcons, 20-13.
The game was dominated by Watt and his defensive teammates. Alex Highsmith also had two sacks, Cam Heyward batted down three passes, and defensive backs Jalen Ramsey and Jamel Dean forced fumbles, while Jaquan Brisker intercepted a pass. The defense limited the Falcons to 238 yards and just 2-of-12 on third downs.
The offense struggled, to say the least. DK Metcalfe dropped two passes, caught another one out of bounds, and was called twice for offensive pass interference. Aaron Rodgers was 24-for-40 for 221 yards and one touchdown, a six-yard strike to Pat Freiermuth, who had five receptions on the day.
For McCarthy, it’s better to be sloppy and win than to be sloppy and lose.
McCarthy says the defense, led by veterans Watt, Heyward, and Highsmith, carried the Steelers to victory.
TJ Watt says he was just trying to make a play when he snagged the pass in the fourth quarter while pursuing Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush.
Reunited with his first pro coach, Aaron Rodgers was excited for Mike McCarthy to get a win in his Steelers debut.
The injury report was good. Left tackle Troy Fataunu left the game briefly in the fourth quarter with shoulder and arm pain, plus a banged-up knee, but he returned to action.
Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. did not dress for the game, officially due to lingering back issues. Porter did not agree to a contract extension before the game, and the team has a policy of not negotiating once the season begins.
The Steelers will travel to New England to play the defending AFC champion Patriots on Sunday afternoon.
