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3 takeaways as Mike McCarthy transforms Steelers offense in win vs Falcons

Mike McCarthy kicked off his tenure as head coach of Pittsburgh with a 20-13 triumph against Atlanta in Week 1 of the 2026 campaign. Reunited with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, McCarthy watched his offense encounter significant hurdles, as self-inflicted mistakes, flags, and dropped footballs repeatedly stalled drives and kept the depleted opposing squad within striking distance.

J. Watt intercepted a throw from Atlanta signal-caller Cooper Rush, taking it back 35 yards into the end zone.

That critical turnover sealed the contest against a visiting side forced to turn to Rush under center with starter Tua Tagovailoa sidelined by injury.