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Steelers star T.J. Watt stuns Cooper Rush, joins Julius Peppers with historic pick 6 in win over Falcons

J. Watt decisively shifted momentum late on Sunday, intercepting an attempt by Cooper Rush right in the quarterback's face and carrying it 35 yards into the end zone.

That critical defensive score lifted the Steelers to a 20-13 opening victory against the Atlanta Falcons. Watt's historic turnover sealed the outcome for head coach Mike McCarthy in his Pittsburgh debut, though McCarthy and reunited quarterback Aaron Rodgers oversaw an offense that repeatedly sputtered amid dropped balls, flags, and squandered chances.

The visiting Falcons entered the contest severely shorthanded under center, turning to Rush as their starting signal-caller after injuries sidelined both Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix. Despite Rush's presence keeping Atlanta within striking distance through much of the contest, Watt's decisive play ultimately dashed the Falcons' hopes and secured the win for Pittsburgh.