Watt returned an interception 35 yards for a score, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 20-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on September 13, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. Aaron Rodgers began his final NFL season on September 13, 2026, by throwing for 221 yards and a score to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 20-13 victory over the visiting Atlanta Falcons. The win marked Pittsburgh’s third straight season opener for the Steelers (1-0), who won their third straight season opener. T.J. Watt’s decline appear to have been greatly exaggerated. He was the best player on the field, sacking Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush twice and returning an interception 35 yards for a touchdown. Watt’s ability to intercept passes at short range is unmatched across the NFL. Watt, a former tight end at Wisconsin, might have some of the best hands on the team. Watt had just seven sacks last season and will turn 32 next month, but if Sunday’s 20-13 win was any indication, he’s going to have a great impact on Patrick Graham’s defense. After a Pittsburgh punt, Watt plucked Rush’s pass out of the air and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown to make it 20-10 with 14:05 remaining in the fourth. Alex Highsmith also had two sacks, including the dagger midway through the fourth quarter on a third down when the Falcons were threatening to tie the score. If not for Watt and Highsmith’s heroics, inside linebacker Payton Wilson might have been the defensive player of the game. He led the Steelers with 12 tackles, including two for a loss. Receiver Drops and Offensive Line Struggles Persist for Pittsburgh
Receiver Drops and Offensive Line Struggles Persist for Pittsburgh
Despite Rodgers throwing for 221 yards and did not turn the ball over, the Steelers offense labored through self-inflicted mistakes. Receivers dropped an inordinate number of his passes, keeping the Falcons stay in a game they had no business of being in. The Post-Gazette noted that DK Metcalf struggled with dropped passes and the inability to make contested catches killed the Steelers offense, with many of his gaffes coming on third or fourth down. He also was called for two offensive pass interference penalties, drawing scrutiny alongside a $30 million per season contract to serve as the team’s No. 1 receiver. Running game production also stalled early. The offensive line managed just 2.8 yards per carry, which is a direct reflection of the lack of push at the line of scrimmage. It was a rough first outing for Rico Dowdle, who is replacing 2025 team MVP Kenneth Gainwell in the backfield. Dowdle had just 15 yards rushing on eight attempts while everyone was wondering how Warren and Dowdle would be utilized, but it was a fairly even split in snaps and touches with Warren touching the ball 15 times and Dowdle 10. Falcons Rely on Bijan Robinson as Quarterback Shuffle Hampers Visitors
Falcons Rely on Bijan Robinson as Quarterback Shuffle Hampers Visitors
The Falcons (0-1) rolled into Pittsburgh with Cooper Rush completing 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown while throwing two interceptions. Rush, the Falcons’ third-string quarterback, got the call to start after Tua Tagovailoa was injured on Thursday. Bijan Robinson rushed for 83 yards and had eight catches for 90 yards and a score. Robinson took a 24-yard pass into Pittsburgh territory on the next drive, which led to Folk’s 51-yarder that trimmed the lead to 13-10 with 1:50 left in the third. Kicker Nick Folk also connected on field goals, though he missed his second field goal attempt of the game — this time a 45-yard try, and also missed a 54-yard field goal try in his first attempt with Atlanta. Post-Game Reactions and Looking Ahead to New England
Post-Game Reactions and Looking Ahead to New England
Speaking after the victory, players and coaches emphasized the significance of securing an opening win while acknowledging the areas needing rapid improvement before next week’s matchup. The Steelers now turn their attention toward a challenging upcoming test. As the Post-Gazette noted of the reshuffled offensive line, the group needs to be much better next week in New England if the Steelers are going to have a chance to beat the defending AFC champions.
