Mike Tomlin stood firm in his decision to play quarterback Kenny Pickett and the rest of the Pittsburgh starters, even when Atlanta coach Arthur Smith opted to use his backups.
According to Tomlin, “I just think it’s difficult to box without sparring.”
Pickett and the Steelers quickly took control of the game.
Pickett led two touchdown drives, demonstrating that he and the Pittsburgh starters are prepared for real games, as the Steelers dominated the Falcons 24-0 in their final preseason matchup.
Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren scored touchdowns to complete the drives led by Pickett. Pickett completed all four of his passes for 86 yards in his limited but productive playing time. The Steelers scored touchdowns on all five of their preseason possessions led by Pickett.
Pickett commented, “I think it’s proof that the hard work we put in paid off in the preseason.”
Tomlin stated that his decision to stick with Pickett and the offensive starters for two series was not influenced by Smith’s choice to rest his starters.
Tomlin said, “I don’t care what the Joneses do. We’re going to do what we do.”
On the opening drive, Pickett completed passes of 33 yards to Diontae Johnson and 35 yards to George Pickens, leading to Harris’ touchdown. Despite tight coverage from Falcons cornerback Natrone Brooks, Pickens made an impressive sideline catch inside the 5.
Pickett also connected with Harris for a 16-yard pass before Warren scored on an 8-yard run to finish Pittsburgh’s second drive.
When matched with Pittsburgh’s first-team units, Atlanta’s backups struggled on both offense and defense. However, Smith remains confident heading into the regular season.
Smith stated, “I feel the team has got an impressive feel to it in all phases.” He acknowledged that the Steelers’ early big plays and a late red-zone turnover by the Falcons created a “bad recipe.”
After Pittsburgh’s two drives resulted in a 14-0 lead, Mitch Trubisky replaced Pickett. On the Steelers’ third possession, backup running back Anthony McFarland Jr. had a 31-yard run to set up Chris Boswell’s 38-yard field goal.
McFarland then scored a 5-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 24-0 in the second quarter.
Pittsburgh’s first punt didn’t occur until less than two minutes remaining in the half.
In the third quarter, Atlanta squandered a scoring opportunity when running back Carlos Washington Jr. fumbled, and Steelers free safety Kenny Robinson recovered at Pittsburgh’s 8-yard line.
Push for a roster spot
Logan Woodside made a strong case to secure a spot on the Falcons’ roster as the third quarterback behind Ridder and Heinicke. Woodside took over in the second quarter and played the entire second half, completing 24 of 31 passes for 196 yards despite being sacked four times.
Smith praised Woodside’s performance, stating, “I thought he played well.”
Woodside did fumble when hit by linebacker Quincy Roche late in the game, and Toby Ndukwe recovered for Pittsburgh at the Atlanta 25.
Teams must cut their rosters down to 53 players by Tuesday.
Runaway win
The first-half statistics clearly showcased the Steelers’ dominance, particularly when their starters were on the field. Pittsburgh outgained Atlanta 253 yards to 55 in the half, including a commanding 128-5 advantage in rushing yards.
McFarland carried the ball 10 times for 55 yards. The Steelers finished the game with a total yardage advantage of 310-199, with a 175-40 edge in rushing yards.
Bergeron watches like a starter
Rookie left guard Matthew Bergeron was present in uniform for Atlanta, confirming his status as a starter. The second-round pick from Syracuse moved up the depth chart after Matt Hennessey suffered a season-ending knee injury on August 16.
Another question for the Falcons is who will serve as the swing tackle behind starters Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary. If Jalen Mayfield, who can also play guard, doesn’t secure the swing tackle spot, the Falcons may seek additional help after roster cuts next week.
Up next
Pittsburgh: Opens the regular season against San Francisco on September 10.
Atlanta: Hosts Carolina on September 10 in the first of two home games to start the regular season.
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