Perfect Preseason for Steelers Ends with Shutout Victory over Falcons
ATLANTA – The Pittsburgh Steelers concluded their preseason on a high note with a dominant 24-0 victory over the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Finishing the exhibition games with a perfect 3-0 record, the Steelers showcased their strength on both sides of the ball, scoring touchdowns on all five possessions with their first-team offense and shutting out the Falcons’ backups.
The first-team offense continued its impressive run, adding two more touchdown drives to their preseason performance. Running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren capped off the two possessions with touchdown runs, solidifying the first-team offense’s flawless streak of scoring touchdowns. Quarterback Kenny Pickett played a crucial role, completing all four of his passes for 86 yards to set up the scoring plays.
Pickett’s exceptional preseason performance earns him a passer rating of a perfect 158.3, completing 13 of 15 passes for 199 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Even though the Falcons did not field their starters, the Steelers recognized the importance of performing well and achieving their goal of putting points on the board.
One of the standout plays came from receiver Diontae Johnson, who connected with Pickett for a 33-yard gain on a crucial third-and-5. Pickett followed it up with a 35-yard pass to George Pickens, setting up Harris’ touchdown run. Pickens’ acrobatic catch, contorting his body and staying in bounds, reflected his incredible skill as a receiver.
Defensively, the Steelers held strong, forcing a three-and-out on the Falcons’ possessions. Linebacker T.J. Watt made his mark with a sack that put the Falcons behind the chains. Elandon Roberts also contributed with a 4-yard tackle for a loss on first down. The defensive effort was a testament to the Steelers’ coordination across all three phases of the game.
Coach Mike Tomlin decided to rest the first-team offense and give the second unit a chance to shine. The defense continued its dominance, forcing another three-and-out, while backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky led the team on a pair of scoring drives. Kicker Chris Boswell sealed the first drive with a 38-yard field goal, and Anthony McFarland added a 5-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 24-0.
The Steelers’ overall performance was highlighted by their control of the game, outgaining the Falcons 220-8 in total yards. In the first half alone, the Steelers held a commanding 253-55 advantage over Atlanta. The defense maintained their shutout even when faced with a sustained Falcons’ drive in the second half. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and linebacker Mark Robinson forced a fumble, which safety Kenny Robinson recovered at the Pittsburgh 5-yard line.
Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson, a 13-year veteran, commended the defense’s shutout performance, emphasizing that it was a rewarding achievement regardless of the opponent’s lineup. The defense displayed their skill with multiple sacks, including contributions from Toby Ndukwe, Quincy Roche, and rookie Nick Herbig.
Anthony McFarland stood out in the Steelers’ rushing attack, accumulating 55 yards on 10 carries, including a 31-yard run. Overall, the Steelers’ balanced performance on offense, strong defensive effort, and effective special teams play set the stage for an encouraging start to the 2023 season.
The Steelers will now shift their focus to the regular season opener, where they will face the Buffalo Bills in a highly anticipated matchup. With the momentum gained from their perfect preseason, the Steelers aim to continue their success and make a strong statement in the upcoming season.