The more things change, the more they stay the same. The Atlanta Falcons walk out of the first game of the Raheem Morris era with a loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The offense looked out of sync for all but one drive, the stadium was just as loud for an Atlanta 3rd down as it did for a Pittsburgh 3rd down. Atlanta was outclassed and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith gets his revenge on the team that fired him just eight months ago. There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s go ahead and get started.
The preseason seems to matter
This team was not ready to play today and the Steelers made them pay for it. Atlanta committed 34 yards worth of penalties, most of them being procedural. They had three turnovers, including one fumble from the ball bouncing off of backup tight end Ross Dwelley on a pre-snap motion. Kirk Cousins is a rhythm quarterback and the offense not only lacked rhythm, they didn’t have any way of achieving it throughout the game. Speaking of Cousins…
Let the QB Controversy Commence
Another speculation as to why the Falcons didn’t play Cousins and Michael Penix, Jr. in the preseason was the fear of a quarterback controversy after paying Cousins such a monstrous contract this offseason. Don’t worry, that controversy is alive and well after Cousins’ horrendous decision-making in this game.
Cousins ends the day 15-for-24 for 148 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.
Both interceptions were horrendous decisions from Cousins, albeit while under pressure, but horrendous decisions nonetheless. Cousins was unable to get the ball down the field and the offense looked to be just as constricted as it did with Desmond Ridder and Marcus Mariota over the past few years.
There was no threat downfield, and part of that is due to the lack of time Cousins had to throw.
T.J. Watt may be DPOY
T.J. Watt was a man possessed and the worst part is, the statsheet may not even tell an eighth of the story. Watt ended the day with four total tackles, including the game-clinching sack that he had been working toward the whole game.
Watt’s ability to beat Kaleb McGary was something the Falcons seemed to not adjust for and by the time they did, the entire pass-rushing unit had got going. Pittsburgh only ended the day with 2 sacks, but their seven quarterback hits were felt throughout the game and led to two key interceptions from Cousins.
Other Notes
- Bijan Robinson’s role is much larger in this offense. He ended the day with 23 touches (18 carries, 5 receptions) for 111 scrimmage yards (68 rushing, 43 passing).
- Pittsburgh did a good enough job keeping the Falcons pass rush at bay, but Grady Jarrett’s 1.5 and Matthew Judon’s .5 sacks made the difference, giving the Falcons more than enough chances to win.
- Nate Landman’s Troy Polamalu impression was a sight to see.
- Pittsburgh controlled the clock, having the ball for 35:36 to Atlanta's 24:24.
What’s Next?
The Falcons have to regroup quick. They go on the road to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football on September 16th at 8:15 p.m. on ESPN.
