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Falcons at Steelers instant recap: A new season features a familiar sort of falling short

The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 20-13 victory over the visiting Atlanta Falcons in their season opener, marking a winning debut for head coach Mike McCarthy in his reunion with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Despite the victory, Pittsburgh endured an uneven offensive performance hampered by penalties, dropped balls, and squandered opportunities that kept the matchup tight against an injury-hit Atlanta squad.

With Atlanta turning to backup quarterback Cooper Rush in place of the injured Tua Tagovailoa, the game was ultimately decided on defense. Linebacker T.J. Watt intercepted a pass from Rush late in the contest, returning it 35 yards for a score to propel Pittsburgh to victory at Acrisure Stadium.