Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats | 6 FG Victory
The steelers vs atlanta falcons match player stats revealed a masterclass in game management as Pittsburgh secured an 18-10 victory in their NFL Week 1 season opener. Chris Boswell’s perfect six field goal performance proved decisive in what became a defensive showcase.
Game Overview: Pittsburgh’s Time of Possession Dominance
The Pittsburgh Steelers emerged victorious in their season opener, controlling the clock for an impressive 35:36 minutes compared to Atlanta’s 24:24.
This wasn’t just a slight edge – it was complete dominance that allowed their defense to remain fresh throughout all four quarters.
Coach Mike Tomlin’s game plan centered around ball control, and his players executed it flawlessly despite missing their starting quarterback.
Justin Fields Steps Up in Wilson’s Absence
With veteran Russell Wilson sidelined due to a calf injury from training camp, backup Justin Fields seized his opportunity:
- 17/23 completion rate (73.9%)
- 156 passing yards
- 57 rushing yards on designed runs and scrambles
- 0 interceptions or fumbles
- 8 different receivers targeted
Fields’ dual-threat capabilities created headaches for the Falcons’ defense, particularly on third downs where his mobility extended several crucial drives.
“Fields managed the game exactly how we needed him to,” Tomlin noted post-game. “He protected the football and made plays when called upon.”
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
| Quarter | Steelers | Falcons | Key Moments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | 0 | Boswell 57-yard FG |
| 2nd | 6 | 7 | Pitts TD reception |
| 3rd | 6 | 3 | Elliott interception |
| 4th | 3 | 0 | Jackson interception |
The Steelers’ consistency across all four quarters highlights their game-long control, while Atlanta’s offense struggled to maintain any momentum after halftime.
Chris Boswell: Record-Setting Performance
Boswell delivered one of the most remarkable kicking performances in recent Steelers history:
- 6/6 field goals (team record for single game)
- Long kicks of 57, 56, and 51 yards
- 18 total points (100% of team scoring)
- 43-yard punt on a special teams trick play
Only two other kickers in Steelers history have converted three 50+ yard field goals in a single game.
“Having Boz is like having a secret weapon,” special teams coordinator Danny Smith remarked. “His range essentially gives us points once we cross the 40-yard line.”
Steelers Offensive Production Analysis
Despite red zone struggles (0-for-2), offensive coordinator Arthur Smith crafted an effective game plan against his former team:
George Pickens: 6 receptions, 85 yards, 14.2 yards per catch
- Led all receivers in targets (8)
- 3 catches resulted in first downs
Najee Harris: 20 carries, 70 yards, 3.5 yards per carry
- 4 broken tackles
- 27 yards after contact
Pat Freiermuth: 3 receptions, 33 yards
- Critical 3rd down conversion in 4th quarter
The offense converted 8 of 17 third downs (47%), showing significant improvement from last season’s conversion rates.
Defensive Domination: Metrics That Matter
The Steelers defense delivered an elite performance, particularly in the second half:
- 2 interceptions (Elliott, Jackson)
- 1 forced fumble
- 4 sacks on Kirk Cousins
- 11 quarterback pressures
- 7 tackles for loss
- Allowed only 3 points after halftime
T.J. Watt was particularly disruptive with:
- 1.5 sacks
- 4 quarterback hurries
- 2 tackles for loss
- 1 pass defended
“Their front seven completely controlled the line of scrimmage,” noted NFL analyst Greg Olsen. “Atlanta’s offensive line had no answers for Watt and that Pittsburgh pass rush.”
Advanced Stats Comparison
| Metric | Steelers | Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| Yards per Play | 4.7 | 4.2 |
| 3rd Down % | 47% (8/17) | 33% (4/12) |
| Red Zone % | 0% (0/2) | 50% (1/2) |
| Avg Time per Drive | 3:27 | 2:12 |
| Explosive Plays (20+ yds) | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 3 |
These advanced metrics demonstrate how Pittsburgh controlled every facet of the game despite struggling to find the end zone.
Coaching Strategy: Tomlin vs. Morris
Mike Tomlin’s defensive game plan centered around three key principles:
- Contain Bijan Robinson (held under 4 YPC)
- Pressure Kirk Cousins consistently
- Force Atlanta to become one-dimensional
New Falcons head coach Raheem Morris seemed unprepared for Pittsburgh’s aggressive defensive approach, particularly in the second half adjustments.
“Tomlin’s teams are always well-prepared, but this performance with a backup quarterback shows why he’s never had a losing season,” former coach Tony Dungy commented.
Tomlin now improves his all-time record against Atlanta to a perfect 5-0.
Impact Players: Beyond the Box Score
Several players made crucial contributions that won’t appear in standard box scores:
Deshawn Elliott (S, Steelers): In his Pittsburgh debut, he not only recorded an interception but also delivered key run support, finishing with 6 tackles and a pass deflection.
Cameron Heyward (DT, Steelers): While not recording a sack, he commanded double teams throughout the game, creating opportunities for teammates and disrupting Atlanta’s interior protection.
Grady Jarrett (DT, Falcons): The lone bright spot for Atlanta’s defense, consistently generating interior pressure and making three tackles for loss.
Alex Highsmith (OLB, Steelers): Working opposite Watt, he capitalized on single coverage with 1.5 sacks and consistently forced Cousins to step up into pressure.
Historical Context of the Matchup
The Steelers’ victory continues their historical dominance in this series against the Falcons:
- Improved to 16-2-1 all-time record vs Atlanta
- Won 8 consecutive matchups dating back to 1999
- Now 7-1-1 all-time in Atlanta
- Mike Tomlin remains undefeated against the Falcons (5-0)
This matchup also represented the third time these teams have met in a season opener, with Pittsburgh now holding a 2-1 advantage in those contests.
Red Zone Efficiency: Room for Improvement
Despite the win, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith will need to address Pittsburgh’s red zone performance:
- 0-for-2 in red zone opportunities
- Both drives stalled inside the Atlanta 10-yard line
- Settled for field goals of 25 and 40 yards
“We moved the ball well between the 20s, but championship teams finish drives,” Smith acknowledged post-game. “That’s something we’ll focus on improving heading into Week 2.”
Converting just one of those opportunities into a touchdown would have put the game out of reach much earlier.
Expert Analysis: What the Numbers Tell Us
Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner provided this assessment: “Fields wasn’t asked to do too much, but what impressed me was his decision-making. He took what the defense gave him, used his legs when necessary, and most importantly, protected the football.”
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky highlighted the defensive scheme: “Pittsburgh’s defense showed why they’re still elite. Their pre-snap disguises confused Cousins all day, and their post-snap execution was nearly flawless.”
Looking Ahead: What This Performance Means
For the Steelers:
- Proves they can win with Fields if Wilson needs more recovery time
- Defense appears championship-caliber once again
- Red zone efficiency must improve against stronger opponents
- Special teams advantage with Boswell’s range is significant
For the Falcons:
- Protection issues must be addressed immediately
- Offensive identity seems unclear despite talented skill players
- Defense performed admirably considering time of possession disadvantage
- Coaching staff needs to improve in-game adjustments
Player Spotlight: Chris Boswell’s Historic Day
Boswell’s six field goals tied a franchise record and placed him in elite company:
- Only the third kicker in NFL history to make three 50+ yard field goals in a season opener
- His 57-yarder is the second-longest in Steelers history
- Now ranks third all-time in Steelers scoring history
- Has converted 19 consecutive field goals dating back to last season
“I just focus on one kick at a time,” Boswell stated post-game. “The offensive line gave great protection, the snap and hold were perfect on each attempt, and I was fortunate to connect on all six.”
- Also Read: Dallas Cowboys vs Steelers Match Player Stats.
FAQs About Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats
Q: How many field goals did Chris Boswell make in the Steelers vs Falcons game?
A: Chris Boswell was perfect, making all six of his field goal attempts, including three from beyond 50 yards (57, 56, and 51).
Q: Who started at quarterback for the Steelers against the Falcons?
A: Justin Fields started at quarterback for the Steelers as Russell Wilson was sidelined with a calf injury sustained during training camp.
Q: How many yards did Bijan Robinson gain against the Steelers?
A: Bijan Robinson accumulated 111 total yards from scrimmage (73 rushing, 38 receiving) but was held under 4 yards per carry by the Steelers defense.
Q: What was the final score of the Steelers vs Falcons game?
A: The final score was Steelers 18, Falcons 10, with all of Pittsburgh’s points coming from Boswell’s six field goals.
Q: How many interceptions did the Steelers defense record against Kirk Cousins?
A: The Steelers defense intercepted Kirk Cousins twice, with Deshawn Elliott and Dante Jackson each recording one interception.
Q: Did the Steelers score any touchdowns against the Falcons?
A: No, the Steelers did not score any touchdowns, with all 18 points coming from Chris Boswell’s six field goals.
Conclusion
The steelers vs atlanta falcons match player stats tell the story of a team that executed their game plan to near perfection despite missing their starting quarterback. While red zone efficiency remains a concern, Pittsburgh demonstrated elite special teams play and defensive dominance that should serve them well throughout the season.
Justin Fields proved he’s a capable NFL starter, the defense showed why they’re considered among the league’s best units, and Chris Boswell reminded everyone why he’s one of the most reliable kickers in football. As we analyze these steelers vs atlanta falcons match player stats, it’s clear Pittsburgh has established themselves as serious contenders in the AFC North.
