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Mike McCarthy critical of his play calling against Falcons

Mike McCarthy secured a victory in his first contest directing the Pittsburgh Steelers, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 20-13 in the opening week of the 2026 campaign. Despite the outcome, the head coach expressed dissatisfaction with his own offensive orchestration, acknowledging that the unit appeared out of sync and missed key opportunities on both the ground and through the air.

J. Watt returning an interception 35 yards for a score.

Following the hard-fought triumph, quarterback Aaron Rodgers commemorated their reunion by presenting McCarthy with the game ball, highlighting the significance of earning a milestone victory in a meaningful setting. Outside of Watt's decisive play, the team faced notable challenges finding rhythm, but McCarthy's tenure nonetheless commenced in the win column.