Introduction

The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons matchup on September 8, 2024, was one of the most anticipated opening games of the NFL season. Both teams entered the game with high expectations, and this contest was set to establish momentum early in the year. The Steelers, led by coach Mike Tomlin, have been known for their tough, gritty play in the AFC North, while the Falcons, with their explosive offense and revamped defense, hoped to prove themselves in the NFC. With standout performances from Kenny Pickett, Chris Boswell, and a suffocating defensive effort by the Steelers, the game quickly became a tale of two halves. The Steelers overcame a first-half deficit to win 28-17, with strong individual performances and a dominant second-half showing. This breakdown will dive deep into the key player stats, team performances, and statistical insights from the game.

Game Summary

The Pittsburgh Steelers opened their 2024 season with a 28-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons, marking a strong start for the Steelers after a slow first half. The Falcons controlled the first two quarters, with Kirk Cousins throwing for over 200 yards and 1 touchdown. However, the Steelers’ defense came alive in the second half, blanking the Falcons and forcing 2 turnovers. On offense, Kenny Pickett connected with George Pickens for a pair of touchdowns, while Chris Boswell set a new Steelers record with 4 field goals, including a career-long 52-yard attempt. The Steelers’ rushing game, led by Najee Harris, contributed 100 yards and a touchdown, helping Pittsburgh control time of possession. Despite an impressive start, Atlanta’s offense faltered after halftime, with Kirk Cousins struggling under pressure. Overall, the game was a story of defensive adjustments and timely offensive plays, as the Steelers capitalized on their opportunities in the second half.

Quick Reference Box

Score by Quarter and Game Flow

In the first half, the Falcons came out strong, taking a 10-7 lead in the first quarter and adding another touchdown in the second quarter. Kirk Cousins connected with Drake London for a 15-yard touchdown to give the Falcons the edge. However, the Steelers kept it close, with Pickett finding Pickens for a touchdown in the second quarter, tying the game at 14-14.

The second half saw a complete turnaround. The Steelers shut out the Falcons, scoring 14 unanswered points in the second half. The Steelers’ defense, led by T.J. Watt, applied constant pressure on Cousins, sacking him 3 times and forcing key turnovers. Kenny Pickett led the Steelers’ offense with a composed 4th-quarter touchdown drive, capped off by a Najee Harris 4-yard rushing touchdown, sealing the victory for Pittsburgh.

Justin Fields vs Kirk Cousins: The Quarterback Matchup

In the battle of quarterbacks, Kenny Pickett and Kirk Cousins both had their moments but differed greatly in efficiency. Pickett, despite a few early mistakes, finished the game with 252 yards and 2 touchdowns on 22 of 30 passing. He managed the game well in the second half, making key throws and avoiding turnovers. Pickett’s chemistry with George Pickens was evident, as the two connected for a 20-yard touchdown in the 3rd quarter.

On the other hand, Kirk Cousins had an up-and-down performance. He threw for 210 yards and 1 touchdown but also took 3 sacks and committed a turnover. Cousins struggled with the Steelers’ pass rush and couldn’t maintain consistency in the second half. His inability to protect the football under pressure and the Falcons’ lack of offensive balance led to their eventual downfall.

Ground Game: AFC North Football in Atlanta

Pittsburgh’s ground game was a key factor in their victory. Najee Harris rushed for 102 yards on 24 carries, adding 1 touchdown. His ability to churn out tough yards kept the Falcons’ defense honest and allowed Kenny Pickett to operate with more balance. Harris’ 4-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter helped put the game out of reach.

On the Falcons’ side, Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson had moderate success on the ground. Allgeier ran for 67 yards on 18 carries, while Robinson added 48 yards on 10 carries. While they combined for over 100 rushing yards, the Falcons’ inability to establish a consistent ground game in the second half prevented them from keeping the game competitive.

Pass Catchers: Pickens Dominates Target Share

The Steelers’ receiving game was highlighted by George Pickens, who had 7 receptions for 89 yards and 2 touchdowns. Pickens’ ability to make contested catches and find separation made him Pickett’s top target throughout the game. Allen Robinson also contributed with 3 catches for 41 yards, but Pickens was the clear standout in the Steelers’ passing attack.

For the Falcons, Drake London led the way with 5 catches for 62 yards and 1 touchdown. He was Cousins’ primary target, but London struggled to get open in the second half as the Steelers’ defense tightened up. Kyle Pitts also had 4 catches for 50 yards but was largely ineffective in terms of making big plays.

Chris Boswell: Record-Setting Performance

Chris Boswell, the Steelers’ kicker, had an exceptional performance, setting a new team record with 4 field goals in a single game. Boswell was perfect, converting all his attempts, including a 52-yard career-long field goal. His ability to score consistently from long range helped the Steelers extend their lead and maintain control throughout the game. Boswell also contributed 4 extra points, playing a critical role in the Steelers’ special teams.

Defensive Dominance: Pittsburgh’s Second-Half Shutout

The Steelers’ defense was outstanding, particularly in the second half. After allowing 17 points in the first half, they shut out the Falcons for the remaining 30 minutes. T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward were the anchors of the defense, combining for 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. The defense was able to pressure Kirk Cousins consistently, sacking him 4 times and forcing key turnovers. Minkah Fitzpatrick also added an interception in the second half, stifling any potential Falcons’ comeback.

The Second-Half Statistical Collapse

The second-half collapse for the Falcons was evident in their offensive statistics. After a productive first half, they were held to just 7 total points and 130 yards in the second half. The Steelers’ defense smothered the Falcons, limiting them to just 3 yards per play and forcing 3 consecutive 3-and-outs in the 4th quarter. Kirk Cousins struggled to find any rhythm and was forced into mistakes, while the Steelers’ offense capitalized on each opportunity.

Special Teams Production Beyond Boswell

While Chris Boswell was the standout performer for the Steelers’ special teams, the unit also contributed in other ways. Pressley Harvin III, the Steelers’ punter, had an outstanding game, averaging 48 yards per punt and pinning the Falcons inside their own 20-yard line twice. The special teams unit played a pivotal role in maintaining field position, allowing the Steelers’ offense to work with good starting field position for much of the game.

Field Goal Efficiency

Chris Boswell continued to be a reliable weapon for the Steelers, converting 4 field goals and keeping the scoreboard ticking. His perfect kicking was contrasted with the Falcons, who had Younghoe Koo miss a 42-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter, a miss that ultimately affected their momentum. Field goal efficiency proved to be a crucial element in the game’s outcome.

Punting Disparity

The Steelers had an edge in the punting game, with Pressley Harvin III averaging 48 yards per punt, compared to the Falcons’ Bradley Pinion, who averaged just 43 yards per punt. This disparity allowed the Steelers to consistently play with better field position, helping them maintain control of the game throughout.

Return Game

The return game was a mixed bag for both teams. Gunner Olszewski had a solid day returning punts for the Steelers, averaging 12 yards per return, which provided a boost to the offense. On the Falcons’ side, Cordarrelle Patterson had a 25-yard kickoff return but was largely neutralized by the Steelers’ coverage unit, which consistently limited his yardage.

Drive Efficiency Analysis

The Steelers were highly efficient on their drives, averaging 6.2 yards per play and converting 7 of 14 third downs. This efficiency allowed them to sustain drives and maintain control of the game’s tempo. The Falcons, by contrast, struggled on third downs, converting only 4 of 12 attempts. Cousins’ inability to convert critical third downs prevented the Falcons from getting into a rhythm, allowing the Steelers to dominate possession in the second half.

Team Statistics Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the key to the Steelers’ victory?
The Steelers’ defense dominated in the second half, forcing Kirk Cousins into turnovers and shutting out the Falcons in the second half.

2. How did Chris Boswell perform in this game?
Chris Boswell was perfect on the day, converting 4 field goals and 4 extra points, including a 52-yard career-long field goal.

3. What was the biggest issue for the Falcons?
The Falcons struggled with third-down efficiency and were unable to sustain drives, which ultimately led to their defeat.

4. Who was the standout performer for the Steelers?
George Pickens was a key standout with 7 catches for 89 yards and 2 touchdowns, providing Pickett with a reliable target.

5. How did Najee Harris perform in this game?
Najee Harris rushed for 102 yards and 1 touchdown, contributing significantly to the Steelers’ offensive control.

6. What were the final takeaways from this game for both teams?
The Steelers’ defense showed their championship pedigree, while the Falcons need to address their lack of offensive consistency if they want to compete in the NFC.

Final Analysis

The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons game on September 8, 2024, provided a clear demonstration of defensive dominance and offensive efficiency that helped the Steelers secure a 28-17 victory. Kenny Pickett and George Pickens showed promising chemistry, leading the Steelers’ offense to success, while Chris Boswell’s record-setting performance in the kicking game solidified the team’s lead. Despite a solid first half, the Falcons couldn’t adjust to the Steelers’ defense, which clamped down in the second half, forcing Kirk Cousins into mistakes and limiting Atlanta’s offensive production.

The game was largely a tale of two halves—Atlanta’s strong start contrasted with the Steelers’ second-half shutdown. The Steelers’ defense, led by T.J. Watt, provided relentless pressure on Cousins, who struggled to make big plays under duress. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s rushing attack, spearheaded by Najee Harris, helped control time of possession, giving Pickett more opportunities to attack the Falcons’ secondary.

Atlanta’s struggles were amplified by their inability to execute on third downs, and their red zone issues limited their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Kirk Cousins was inefficient when it mattered most, unable to exploit the Steelers’ defense, while Pittsburgh’s offense was methodical and efficient. The Steelers’ game plan was executed flawlessly, with contributions from every phase of the game, including special teams and defensive turnovers.

As the Steelers look to build on this victory, their defensive playmaking and ability to execute under pressure will be key moving forward. For the Falcons, quarterback play and offensive balance will need to improve, as they face tougher competition in the coming weeks. This game showcased the Steelers’ superiority in key aspects of the game, particularly in defensive execution, time of possession, and efficiency in critical moments. The Falcons will need to reassess their game plan, focusing on consistency and adjustments when things don’t go according to plan.