Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats

The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off their 2024 NFL season with a gritty 18-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on September 8, 2024, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This Week 1 clash was a masterclass in defensive football, clock management, and special teams excellence, with standout performances from players on both sides. Whether you’re a die-hard Steelers fan, a Falcons supporter, or just a football enthusiast, this article dives into the key player stats and moments that defined the game. We’ll break it down in a way that’s easy to read and understand for fans of all ages, with a clear table summarizing the stats. Let’s get into it!

Game Overview: A Defensive Battle with a Special Teams Twist

The Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats was a classic display of AFC North football—tough, physical, and low-scoring. With starting quarterback Russell Wilson sidelined due to a calf injury, backup Justin Fields stepped up for Pittsburgh, leading a conservative but effective game plan. The Steelers dominated time of possession (35:36 to Atlanta’s 24:24), leaning heavily on their running game and defense to control the game’s pace. The real star, though, was kicker Chris Boswell, who went a perfect 6-for-6 on field goals, including three from beyond 50 yards, tying a franchise record. Atlanta struggled to find offensive rhythm, especially in the second half, where they failed to convert a single third down. Let’s look at the key player performances and stats that shaped this game.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Key Player Stats

Justin Fields (QB)

With Russell Wilson out, all eyes were on Justin Fields, who made his first start for the Steelers. Fields didn’t light up the stat sheet with gaudy passing numbers, but his dual-threat ability kept the Falcons’ defense on its toes. He completed 17 of 23 passes for 156 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. His mobility was crucial, as he rushed 14 times for 57 yards, extending drives with his legs on key third downs. Fields’ ability to avoid turnovers and manage the game was exactly what Pittsburgh needed in a low-scoring affair.

Najee Harris (RB)

The Steelers’ running game was the backbone of their offensive strategy. Najee Harris led the way with 20 carries for 70 yards, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. While not explosive, Harris’ steady output helped Pittsburgh control the clock and keep Atlanta’s offense off the field. His physical running style wore down the Falcons’ front seven, setting up play-action opportunities for Fields.

Chris Boswell (K)

If there was a game MVP, it was Chris Boswell. The veteran kicker was flawless, making all six field goal attempts (57, 56, 51, 44, 41, and 25 yards). His three field goals from beyond 50 yards tied a Steelers record, and his 18 points accounted for all of Pittsburgh’s scoring. Boswell’s performance was historic—he became one of only two kickers in NFL history to go 6-for-6 on field goals in a season opener, joining John Carney (1993). His clutch kicking, including a 44-yarder as time expired in the first half, kept the Steelers in control.

T.J. Watt (OLB)

The Steelers’ defense was relentless, and T.J. Watt set the tone. Although a potential strip-sack was negated by an offside penalty, Watt was a constant presence in Atlanta’s backfield. He finished with 4 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 tackles for loss, disrupting Falcons QB Kirk Cousins’ rhythm. Watt’s pressure forced Cousins to step up into the pocket, where other defenders capitalized.

Donte Jackson and DeShon Elliott (DBs)

New Steelers additions Donte Jackson and DeShon Elliott made immediate impacts in their debuts. Jackson sealed the game with a late interception of Cousins, returning it deep into Atlanta territory. He also had 5 tackles and a pass deflection. Elliott, meanwhile, recorded 6 tackles, an interception, and a pass deflection, providing stout run support. Their picks marked the first time since 1961 that two Steelers defensive backs had interceptions in their Week 1 debuts with the team.

Alex Highsmith (OLB)

Working opposite Watt, Alex Highsmith was a force, tallying 1.5 sacks and 5 tackles. His ability to exploit one-on-one matchups created by Watt’s presence was key to Pittsburgh’s pass rush, which pressured Cousins into three turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble).

Cameron Heyward (DT)

While he didn’t record a sack, Cameron Heyward was a disruptive force up the middle. His 3 tackles and constant double-teaming opened lanes for teammates like Highsmith and Watt. Heyward’s presence was felt in the run game, helping limit Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson to under 4 yards per carry.

Montravius Adams (DT)

A surprise contributor, Adams notched a sack—his first since 2018—against Cousins. This was a career moment for the veteran, who hadn’t recorded a full sack in over 2,100 days. His pressure helped collapse the pocket and force Atlanta into quick, ineffective plays.

Atlanta Falcons: Key Player Stats

Kirk Cousins (QB)

In his first game with the Falcons, Kirk Cousins struggled under constant pressure from Pittsburgh’s defense. He completed 16 of 26 passes for 155 yards, throwing 1 touchdown but also 2 interceptions and losing a fumble. His 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kyle Pitts gave Atlanta a brief 10-6 lead late in the first half, but the second half was a nightmare. The Steelers’ defense shut out Atlanta after halftime, and Cousins failed to find a rhythm against Pittsburgh’s aggressive front.

Bijan Robinson (RB)

The Falcons’ dynamic running back was a bright spot, accumulating 111 total yards from scrimmage (73 rushing on 18 carries, 38 receiving on 5 catches). However, Pittsburgh’s stout run defense held him to 3.9 yards per carry, preventing the big plays Atlanta needed. Robinson’s versatility was evident, but the Steelers’ tackling limited his explosiveness.

Kyle Pitts (TE)

Pitts was Atlanta’s primary receiving threat, catching 3 passes for 26 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Despite the score, he was largely contained by Pittsburgh’s secondary, which blanketed him on key downs.

Grady Jarrett (DT)

On defense, Grady Jarrett was Atlanta’s standout. He recorded 3 tackles for loss and consistently pressured Fields, disrupting Pittsburgh’s interior run game. Jarrett’s efforts kept the Falcons in the game early, but the offense’s inability to sustain drives limited his impact.

Darnell Mooney (WR)

Before exiting with a shoulder injury that will sideline him for several weeks, Mooney caught 1 pass for 12 yards. His limited production reflected Atlanta’s overall offensive struggles, as the Steelers’ secondary locked down the passing game.

Team Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats Comparison

To make it easy to understand, here’s a table summarizing the key team stats from the game:

The Steelers’ dominance in time of possession and turnovers was the difference-maker. Their 41 rushing attempts—the most in a Week 1 game since 2007—kept Atlanta’s offense on the sidelines, while the defense’s three takeaways (two interceptions, one fumble) stifled any comeback hopes.

Key Moments That Shaped the Game

• Boswell’s First-Half Heroics: Pittsburgh’s offense struggled in the red zone, but Boswell’s three field goals (57, 51, and 44 yards) in the first half kept them ahead 9-10 at halftime. His 44-yarder as time expired erased Atlanta’s momentum after Pitts’ touchdown.

• Second-Half Defensive Shutdown: The Steelers’ defense was lights-out after halftime, forcing three-and-outs and shutting down Atlanta’s third-down conversions (0/5 in the second half). Jackson’s interception with under five minutes left sealed the deal.

• Fields’ Fourth-Down Stop: A critical moment came when Fields was stopped on fourth-and-inches at Atlanta’s 6-yard line, preventing a potential touchdown. However, the drive consumed over 7 minutes, further draining Atlanta’s chances.

• Special Teams Drama: Late in the game, a Falcons player ran into Steelers punter Cameron Johnston, injuring him. A controversial holding call on Pittsburgh’s Miles Killebrew forced a re-punt, with Boswell stepping in to punt 43 yards despite the chaos.

Why This Game Matters

For the Steelers, this win was a statement. Despite missing their starting quarterback, they leaned on a formula that has defined their success under coach Mike Tomlin: strong defense, a punishing run game, and reliable special teams. The victory improved their all-time record against the Falcons to 16-2-1, reinforcing their historical dominance in the series. For Atlanta, the loss highlighted offensive struggles, particularly in the second half, and raised questions about Cousins’ fit in their system under pressure.

Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats Table

Here’s a detailed table of the standout player stats from the game:

What’s Next for Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats Both Teams?

The Steelers’ performance sets a strong foundation for their 2024 campaign. With Fields proving he can manage a game and the defense looking as dominant as ever, Pittsburgh is a serious contender in the AFC North. However, they’ll need to improve red zone efficiency to compete with high-powered offenses. For the Falcons, the loss exposes areas to address, particularly in protecting Cousins and sustaining drives. With Mooney sidelined, Atlanta will lean more on Pitts and Robinson to spark the offense in upcoming games.

Final Thoughts

The Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats was a defensive slugfest where Pittsburgh’s preparation and execution shone through. Chris Boswell’s historic kicking, Justin Fields’ steady play, and a suffocating defense led by T.J. Watt and company secured an 18-10 win. For Atlanta, Bijan Robinson and Grady Jarrett showed flashes of brilliance, but turnovers and a lack of second-half production doomed their chances. This game was a reminder that football isn’t always about flashy stats—it’s about controlling the clock, winning the turnover battle, and making the most of every opportunity.