The Pittsburgh Steelers opened their season with a 20-13 victory over the visiting Atlanta Falcons, but quarterback Aaron Rodgers expressed dissatisfaction with both his team's performance and the officiating.
"I think we did a lot of good things out there," Rodgers told sideline reporter Pam Oliver after the game. "We had a chance to be really, really explosive. We had a couple drops, a couple off targets, a couple non-calls, looked like penalties."
Rodgers specifically pointed to a potential 40-yard pass interference penalty against Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell that he felt was uncalled and could have resulted in a touchdown. "We had a couple other ones — could have been big plays," he added. "So, you know, we were just a little bit off. But they got a good scheme."
Rodgers, in his 22nd and reportedly final season, completed 221 yards and threw one touchdown pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth. However, his efforts were hampered by dropped passes, including from receiver DK Metcalf, and a limited running game that failed to alleviate pressure.
Despite the offensive struggles, the Steelers managed to secure the win. Late in the fourth quarter, Rodgers completed three passes to Metcalf, Michael Pittman, and Darnell Washington during a crucial drive that allowed Pittsburgh to run down the clock.
"Being able to end the game on our terms, with Aaron on the ball, taking a knee, you know you can't take that for granted," Freiermuth commented on the closing drive.
Defensively, edge rusher T.J. Watt was a key player, scoring a decisive touchdown in the fourth quarter by intercepting a pass from backup Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush. Watt finished the game with two sacks. His defensive teammates acknowledged his impact, with Alex Highsmith calling him "the best in the world."
Watt's performance marked a strong start after a season where he recorded 7 sacks, his second-lowest career total, and missed games due to injury. The Steelers' defense sacked Rush four times and deflected six passes throughout the game.
Describing his interception, Watt said, "I had no bearing at all. I'm sure the fall didn't look too graceful but glad someone told me to get up and keep running."
The win marked a successful debut for Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native. McCarthy, who previously won a Super Bowl with Rodgers during their time with the Green Bay Packers, received the game ball from Rodgers in what he called a "special moment."
"It's time to move on and get team victories from here on," McCarthy stated. "I'm not one for attention. So the homecoming has been great. Just glad to get this one under our belt."
The Steelers played without cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who was sidelined due to a back issue. Head coach McCarthy confirmed Porter's absence was health-related, not tied to contract negotiations.