Steelers Edge Falcons 18-10 Behind Justin Fields as Russell Wilson Sits with Injury
The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off their 2024 season with a narrow 18-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, with newly acquired quarterback Justin Fields at the helm. Fields, traded from the Chicago Bears during the offseason, was thrust into the starting role after veteran Russell Wilson was sidelined with a calf injury. Despite the last-minute change, the Steelers managed to eke out a win in a hard-fought game against the Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Fields, known for his athleticism and dual-threat capabilities, completed 17 of 23 passes for 156 yards and rushed for an additional 57 yards on 14 attempts. While he did not account for any touchdowns or interceptions, Fields played a steady game, showcasing his ability to move the chains with his legs and avoid critical mistakes.
The Steelers relied heavily on kicker Chris Boswell, whose six field goals, including three from beyond 50 yards, provided the bulk of Pittsburgh’s points. “Just having a weapon like him on the offensive side of the ball, we only have to get the ball to the 40,” Fields said of Boswell. “It makes our job way easier.”
Wilson, who was signed by the Steelers during free agency after being released by the Denver Broncos, was expected to start but was listed as the emergency third quarterback for the game after aggravating a calf injury sustained in training camp. Wilson’s limited practice participation during the week raised concerns, leading head coach Mike Tomlin to opt for Fields as the starter. Wilson did go through warmups but moved slowly, confirming the coaching staff’s cautious decision.
On the other side, the Atlanta Falcons debuted their new starting quarterback, Kirk Cousins, who signed with the team in the offseason. However, Cousins faced a relentless Steelers defense that limited him to 186 yards passing, sacked him four times, and kept him from finding the end zone. The only touchdown for the Falcons came on a fourth-quarter rushing score by running back Bijan Robinson, which proved to be too little, too late.
The Falcons struggled to generate consistent offense against a Steelers defense that was the backbone of Pittsburgh’s playoff push last season. Atlanta’s hopes of a strong start to the season were dashed by turnovers and costly penalties, which allowed the Steelers to control the pace of the game despite failing to score a touchdown.
Fields, who was acquired by the Steelers in March for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick, was brought in as a potential long-term option at quarterback. Chicago, meanwhile, moved on from Fields in favor of drafting USC’s Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick. In his three seasons with the Bears, Fields struggled with consistency, finishing with a 10-28 record as a starter. However, Pittsburgh’s coaching staff, led by Mike Tomlin, saw potential in the young quarterback, with Tomlin noting Fields’ “freaky athleticism.”
“His athleticism is freaky,” Tomlin said. “I’ve seen the highlights, but you don’t really feel it until you see him in person. He has the ability to extend plays, and that’s something we value.”
While Fields’ performance in the win over the Falcons was solid, there are still concerns about his ball security. He fumbled on his first snap of the game but quickly recovered. This was a continuation of a preseason where Fields completed 19 of 27 passes for 199 yards but struggled with turnovers.
Pittsburgh’s defense, a unit that helped the team to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth last season, once again played a pivotal role. They pressured Cousins throughout the game, and linebacker T.J. Watt led the charge with two sacks, forcing the Falcons’ offense into difficult third-down situations. Defensive linemen Cameron Heyward and Alex Highsmith also made key plays in the backfield, stifling the Falcons’ rushing attack.
The Steelers’ defense forced three turnovers, including a crucial interception by cornerback Patrick Peterson late in the third quarter that ended an Atlanta drive deep in Pittsburgh territory. The Falcons’ offense never fully found its rhythm, leaving Cousins visibly frustrated.
With their first win of the season in the books, the Steelers will have some time to evaluate the quarterback situation as Russell Wilson continues to recover from his injury. Fields’ performance against the Falcons has earned him some confidence from the coaching staff, but whether he will continue as the starter remains to be seen.
As for the Falcons, they will look to bounce back in their next game and hope to see more from Cousins, who struggled to get into a rhythm against Pittsburgh’s defense. Atlanta will need to clean up the mistakes and find ways to better protect their quarterback if they hope to compete in the NFC South this season.
The Steelers’ next challenge will come against a divisional rival, while the Falcons will try to regroup and find their footing as they aim to contend in a competitive NFC South division. Both teams will be looking to build on their performances in what promises to be a long and challenging NFL season.