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Aaron Rodgers presents Steelers coach Mike McCarthy with game ball after coach's first win with franchise

Mike McCarthy secured his inaugural victory leading the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 13, 2026, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 20-13 in their regular-season opener. Following the triumph, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers handed McCarthy the commemorative game ball to mark the milestone.

Despite managing only a single touchdown during the matchup and facing scrutiny from analysts like Bill Simmons, Rodgers characterized the outcome as special while encouraging his coach to keep pushing forward.

McCarthy openly assumed personal responsibility for the unit's underwhelming offensive display rather than shifting fault onto others. Supported primarily by defensive highlights, the Steelers now enter Week 2 against the New England Patriots seeking to rectify two focal operational areas that their head coach aims to refine.