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The good, the bad, and the ugly from Steelers Week 1 victory in Atlanta

andrew vasquez
·2 min read
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Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts after a catch against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts after a catch against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

In classic Pittsburgh Steelers fashion, the fans were treated to a close one score victory as the Steelers beat the Falcons 18-10. This week's game showed there was some definitive good, bad, and ugly from the game in Atlanta.

The Good: Defensive turnovers

Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ pressure was unrelenting, resulting in 2 interceptions, and a fumbled snap that T.J. Watt easily scooped up.

The Bad: Offensive play calling

Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith walks off the field after a victory over the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith walks off the field after a victory over the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Steelers’ play calling seemed slightly better than the horror show that was Pittsburgh’s 2023 offense, but that isn’t saying too much.  Steelers fans will hope that week 1 jitters were the reason for the modest offensive scheme they witnessed on Sunday.

The Ugly: Center-quarterback snap exchange

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 17: Justin Fields #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers lines up under center during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills during the preseason game at Acrisure Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 17: Justin Fields #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers lines up under center during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills during the preseason game at Acrisure Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Mike Tomlin spoke after the first preseason game of 2024 that Justin Fields needed to work on the center-quarterback exchange.  Well, he fumbled two more snaps in his 2024 regular season debut.

The Good: Chris Boswell and George Pickens

Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers place kicker Chris Boswell (9) reacts with tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) after kicking a field goal against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers place kicker Chris Boswell (9) reacts with tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) after kicking a field goal against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Boswell made history on Sunday, becoming the first Steelers' kicker to hit three 50 plus yard field goals in a game, as well as scoring all of the Steelers’ 18 points.  George Pickens delivered on a tough matchup against lockdown corner AJ Terrell, and he had himself a great game: 6 catches for 85 yards.

The Bad: Justin Fields

Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) in action against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) in action against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

To say the least, Justin Fields looked uninspired on Sunday.  His rushing ability was as advertised, he protected the football (barely), but he didn’t do enough to help the Steelers put a single touchdown on the board.

The Ugly: Adding to the long term injury battle

Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (12) looks at Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (12) looks at Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Heading into Week 1, the Steelers were dealing with some serious injuries on all sides of the football.  Offseason Injuries took their toll on rookie defensive tackle Logan Lee and reliable left guard Isaac Seumalo. To add to it, the 2021 punting yards leader, Steelers' punter Cameron Johnston, will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a knee injury in Atlanta.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: The good, the bad, and the ugly from Steelers Week 1 victory in Atlanta