T.J. Watt’s fourth-quarter interception return gave the Pittsburgh Steelers a 20-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Acrisure Stadium on Sunday, after two costly turnovers proved decisive in a tight contest.
Watt intercepted a short pass intended for Bijan Robinson and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown early in the final quarter. The linebacker briefly slipped during the return before recovering his footing and reaching the end zone.
The play extended Pittsburgh’s lead to 20-10 and settled a game in which Atlanta’s defence had largely kept Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers under control. Rodgers completed 24 of 40 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown, finding Pat Freiermuth from six yards out in the second quarter.
Atlanta’s other turnover came when Cooper Rush’s pass intended for Jahan Dotson was intercepted by Jaquan Brisker. Pittsburgh took possession at the Falcons’ 31-yard line and scored four plays later through Freiermuth.
Rush, who was handed the starting role after Tua Tagovailoa was ruled out with an oblique injury and Michael Penix Jr remained inactive, finished 12 of 22 for 143 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.
Bijan Robinson was the outstanding player for Atlanta, accounting for 173 scrimmage yards. He ran for 83 yards and caught eight passes for 90 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown reception that put the Falcons ahead in the first quarter.
Atlanta moved within seven points on Nick Folk’s 43-yard field goal, but could not find the score needed to force overtime. Folk also missed two earlier attempts, while the Falcons were penalised seven times for 87 yards in the first half.
The defeat marked a disappointing start to Kevin Stefanski’s first season as Atlanta’s head coach. Defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand left during the second quarter with a knee injury and did not return, while the Falcons also lost Chris Lindstrom to a concussion.
Atlanta will return home to face the Carolina Panthers in its Week Two home opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, September 20.
