The Pittsburgh Steelers, despite starting their backup quarterback, secured their first victory of the season against the Atlanta Falcons. The game held numerous possibilities, from a potential offensive explosion by Desmond Ridder to a dominant performance by the Steelers’ defense. Ultimately, Pittsburgh emerged victorious, but the win reveals deeper insights into the team’s current state. Let’s delve into three crucial takeaways from this Week 1 matchup.
Kenny Pickett’s Performance Solidifies Starting Role
While the Steelers haven’t officially ruled out a potential return for injured starter Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett’s performance against the Falcons significantly alleviates the pressure for a rushed comeback. Pickett demonstrated poise and efficiency, leading the team to victory without committing any critical errors. Although his stat line wasn’t flashy, his ability to manage the game and avoid turnovers proved invaluable. This performance buys the Steelers time to fully evaluate Pickett’s capabilities and potentially delay Trubisky’s return, allowing him ample time to recover.
Najee Harris’ Struggles Raise Concerns in the Backfield
Despite receiving a significant workload with 20 carries, Najee Harris struggled to generate consistent yardage, averaging a mere 3.5 yards per attempt and failing to reach the end zone. This underwhelming performance raises questions about his effectiveness and potentially opens the door for backup Jaylen Warren to see increased playing time. While it’s too early to definitively attribute Harris’ struggles to individual performance versus offensive line issues, his production will be a key area to monitor in the coming weeks.
T.J. Watt Remains a Defensive Force
While much of the pre-game focus centered on the Steelers’ offense, T.J. Watt wasted no time reminding everyone of his defensive prowess. The veteran linebacker quickly recorded a sack, demonstrating that age hasn’t diminished his impact. Nearing 30, Watt continues to perform at an elite level, and if he maintains his current pace, he’s on track for another impressive season with a potential 17 sacks. His continued dominance is crucial for the Steelers’ defensive success.
These three takeaways highlight key aspects of the Steelers’ Week 1 victory. Pickett’s promising performance, Harris’ struggles, and Watt’s continued dominance will all play significant roles in shaping the team’s trajectory throughout the season.
