Steelers defeat Falcons 20-13 as T.J. Watt scores late fourth-quarter interception

Decisive interception at Acrisure Stadium

The Pittsburgh Steelers opened their season with a 20-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday. The contest marked the head coaching debut of Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh alongside quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who began his 22nd and final NFL season. A tight game turned early in the fourth quarter when outside linebacker T.J. Watt intercepted a pass from Atlanta quarterback Cooper Rush and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown. Watt slipped on the turf during the return before regaining his footing to reach the end zone, recording the second defensive score of his 10-year career.

Defensive pressure and coordinator adjustments

Watt anchored a Pittsburgh defense operating under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, whose scheme aims to isolate rushers in one-on-one matchups rather than relying solely on free blitzers. Watt finished the game with two sacks, three tackles for loss, and the scoring interception. The 31-year-old entered the campaign looking to rebound after posting 11.5 sacks in 2024 and seven during an injury-shortened 2025 season. Pittsburgh's defense generated four sacks, four quarterback hurries, and four batted passes against Rush, turning both of Atlanta's turnovers into touchdowns.

Atlanta offense stalled under third-string passer

Atlanta turned to Rush after injuries sidelined starter Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered an oblique issue on Thursday, and backup Michael Penix Jr. Rush joined Atlanta on the first day of training camp, logged one series of practice snaps with the starting unit, and experienced back spasms on Saturday. Rush completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, finishing with a 51.9 passer rating. The Falcons leaned almost entirely on running back Bijan Robinson, who generated 173 of Atlanta's 238 total yards from scrimmage on 21 carries for 83 yards and eight receptions for 90 yards. Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski reflected on the quarterback's circumstances following his own debut with Atlanta.

He battled like I knew he would. Proud of him for how he fought through the end. We have to look at ways we can help him.

Offseason additions and roster absences

Robinson credited Rush with stepping into difficult game conditions on short notice.

I give him credit, he came in the fire when he may not have expected it. I appreciate him for what he did.

Wide receiver Drake London, who signed a four-year, $141 million contract extension in the offseason, caught two passes for 29 yards on four targets. For Pittsburgh, Rodgers threw for 221 yards and a touchdown to tight end Pat Freiermuth, though drops by wide receiver DK Metcalf and an unproductive ground attack limited offensive consistency. The choppy contest included 16 accepted penalties, three fumbles, three missed field goals, and an aborted kick. Pittsburgh played without cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who remained inactive due to a back injury and unresolved contract negotiations.