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T.J. Watt turns back clock in Steelers win over Falcons

The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 20-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons to open their 2026 campaign at Acrisure Stadium. J.

Watt supplied the game-deciding play by stepping in front of a Cooper Rush throw and taking the interception 35 yards into the end zone, a feat that drew historical comparisons to Julius Peppers. The defensive heroics compensated for a sluggish showing by an offense led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, which struggled with dropped balls and flags throughout the contest.

The matchup marked Mike McCarthy's victorious regular-season debut as head coach of his hometown franchise, reuniting him on the field with Rodgers. Atlanta was forced to turn to Rush under center due to an injury that sidelined starter Tua Tagovailoa, keeping the Falcons competitive before Watt's decisive turnover sealed the result.