The NFL season never fails to deliver drama, grit, and unexpected performances — and the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons matchup on September 8, 2024, was exactly that type of showdown. On paper, this was supposed to be an offensive fireworks display. Justin Fields making his full debut as the new Steelers leader. Kirk Cousins bringing veteran stability and a new spark to the Falcons offense. Two teams entering the season hungry, eager, and full of expectations.
Instead, fans got a gritty, tough, defense-first slugfest — and a story where a kicker became the star of the show.
An 18-10 final score doesn’t scream beauty, but it absolutely screams football. And when you dig into the player stats, the match narrative becomes even richer. So let’s break down every angle — quarterbacks, running games, receiving units, defensive standouts, and the hidden factors that actually turned this game into a Steelers victory.
1. A Game Carried by Defense and Field Goals
Before diving into individual player numbers, it’s important to frame what this game really was: a battle dominated by defense and special teams.
The Steelers scored six field goals — all six delivered by the ice-cold leg of Chris Boswell, who turned in one of the best performances of his career. No Steelers offensive touchdowns. No red-zone fireworks. Just pure consistency and efficiency.
Atlanta, meanwhile, struggled to create rhythm, managing only one touchdown and relying heavily on defensive stops to keep themselves afloat.
But there’s beauty in that kind of game. When quarterbacks get pressured, offensive lines bend, and every yard becomes a battlefield… that’s when player stats tell the real story.
Let’s get into it.
2. Steelers Player Stats Breakdown
Justin Fields — A Promising but Conservative Debut
CMP/ATT: 17/23
PASS YARDS: 156
TD: 0
INT: 0
RUSH YARDS: 57
Fields’ stat line might not look explosive, but it was efficient — and that was exactly what the Steelers needed. He completed over 73% of his passes, avoided turnovers, and used his mobility to extend plays.
Fields’ 57 rushing yards were crucial, especially on 3rd-down situations when the pocket collapsed. His composure and athleticism kept drives alive even when the Falcons defense tightened.
The downside?
The Steelers never found the end zone. Fields’ accuracy was there, but the red-zone play-calling was ultra-conservative. Part of that was the Falcons defense; part of it was a new system still gelling. For a debut, however, Fields showed promise without overreaching.
Najee Harris — Workhorse Mode Activated
RUSH YARDS: ~70
ATT: Heavy workload
YPC: Moderate
Najee Harris didn’t break off highlight-reel runs, but he anchored the offense. His physicality wore down the Falcons’ front seven late in the game, setting up long field-goal opportunities.
He ran with purpose, broke tackles, and kept the Steelers on schedule. His performance didn’t pop statistically, but in a game based on grinding out yards, Najee was exactly what they needed.
George Pickens — The Steelers’ Offensive Spark
REC: 6
YARDS: 85
Pickens was the Steelers’ top weapon, and Fields leaned on him whenever the team needed a momentum-shifting play. His ability to create separation, win contested catches, and add yards after catch contributed heavily to Pittsburgh’s offensive flow.
If there was one consistent mismatch Pittsburgh exploited, it was Pickens vs. Atlanta’s secondary.
Chris Boswell — The Star of the Game
FG MADE: 6
LONG: Over 50 yards (multiple)
When your kicker outscores an entire opposing team by himself, it’s not just impressive — it’s game-changing.
Boswell’s six field goals came from all distances, including a handful of 50+ yard bombs that swung momentum and kept Atlanta from gaining ground. His confidence shifted the way the Steelers managed drives — they didn’t need to force anything.
This performance is one fans will talk about all season.
3. Falcons Player Stats BreakdowKirk Cousins — A Rough Day at the Office
CMP/ATT: 16/26
YARDS: 155
TD: 1
INT: 2
Cousins came into the season with high expectations, but the Steelers’ defense smothered him all afternoon. He threw two crucial interceptions and struggled under pressure.
The Steelers front created chaos, and Cousins never found consistent rhythm. His lone touchdown — a 12-yard throw to Kyle Pitts — gave the Falcons a spark, but mistakes outweighed the positives.
Bijan Robinson — The Falcons’ Lone Consistent Weapon
RUSH YARDS: 68
YPC: Strong
Role: Workhorse
Bijan looked sharp and explosive, but the Falcons didn’t give him enough touches to seize control of the game. Every time Atlanta leaned into the run, positive things happened… and yet they kept going back to the air.
Bijan’s stats reflect potential rather than execution — he could’ve been the difference-maker had the Falcons fed him more often.
Kyle Pitts — A Flash of Greatness
REC TD: 1 (12 yards)
Pitts scoring the Falcons’ lone touchdown was a reminder of the mismatch nightmare he can be. But outside of that moment, the Steelers defense locked him down with double coverage and physical press looks.
Atlanta simply couldn’t scheme him open consistently.
4. Team Comparison Stats — Where the Game Was Actually Won
These team stats paint the story better than any single player number:
Total Yards
- Steelers: 270
- Falcons: 226
3rd-Down Conversions
- Steelers: 8/17
- Falcons: 2/9
This was arguably the biggest deciding factor. The Falcons could not stay on the field.
Turnovers Forced by Steelers
- 2 Interceptions
- 1 Fumble Recovery
Three turnovers in a low-scoring defensive struggle? That’s a back-breaker.
Rushing Attempts
- Steelers: 41
- Falcons: 22
This stat tells you everything about physical control. Pittsburgh dictated pace. Atlanta chased it.
5. Deeper Game Analysis: How the Steelers Won Without a Touchdown
A touchdown-less win is always a weird NFL storyline. It raises eyebrows — and even more questions. But when you study the combination of player stats and game flow, the blueprint becomes obvious.
Pittsburgh played to their strengths
They leaned on defense, won the turnover battle, trusted Boswell, and didn’t force Fields into high-risk throws.
Atlanta played into Pittsburgh’s hands
Instead of leveraging Bijan Robinson’s success, they leaned too heavily on Cousins, who faced relentless pressure and forced throws that led to turnovers.
Field position mattered massively
With several long sustained drives resulting in field goals, the Steelers didn’t need touchdowns — they needed opportunities. And they created them.
The Steelers defense is REAL
They were fast, aggressive, and disciplined. The Falcons had zero answers on 3rd-down.
6. Player Stat Impact on the Season Narrative
This game will be remembered for more than the score. It sets the tone for both franchises going forward.
For the Steelers:
- Fields showed promise and composure.
- The defense looks elite again.
- Chris Boswell proved he is a top-tier NFL kicker.
If Pittsburgh unlocks their red-zone offense, they instantly become a playoff threat.
For the Falcons:
- Cousins must shake off early jitters.
- The offensive line needs major adjustments.
- Bijan Robinson should be the centerpiece — not a supporting act.
The talent is there, but Atlanta’s execution must evolve quickly.
7. Final Thoughts: What This Game Means Moving Forward
The Steelers vs. Falcons matchup showed two teams on different wavelengths. Pittsburgh might not have found the end zone, but they found their identity — discipline, defense, and clutch kicking. Atlanta, meanwhile, showed flashes of talent but lacked direction.
When you analyze all the player stats across both rosters, the story becomes clear:
The Steelers didn’t win by luck. They won by fundamentals.
The Falcons didn’t lose because they lacked talent. They lost because they lacked cohesion.
The player stats are the receipts. They reveal how the Steelers controlled tempo, forced turnovers, and executed efficiently — all hallmarks of a well-coached, well-prepared team.
If you’re writing or reading for deeper understanding, this game is a reminder that football isn’t always won with glamour. Sometimes it’s won with grit, guts, and a kicker who refuses to miss.
As this season unfolds, expect this matchup to be referenced whenever analysts talk about identity, execution, and early-season discipline.
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Published for: Empire Magazines
FAQs – Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats
1. Who won the Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons game?
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Atlanta Falcons with a final score of 18–10, powered by six Chris Boswell field goals.
2. Who had the best performance for the Steelers?
Chris Boswell was the standout performer, hitting six field goals. On offense, George Pickens led with 85 receiving yards, while Justin Fields added 156 passing yards and 57 rushing yards.
3. How did Justin Fields perform for the Steelers?
Fields had an efficient showing: 17-of-23 passing, 156 yards, 0 turnovers, and 57 rushing yards. While he didn’t score a touchdown, he kept drives alive and avoided mistakes.
4. How did Kirk Cousins perform for the Falcons?
Kirk Cousins struggled, finishing with 155 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions against the Steelers’ aggressive defense.
5. Who scored the Falcons’ only touchdown?
Kyle Pitts scored Atlanta’s lone touchdown on a 12-yard reception from Kirk Cousins.
6. What were the key defensive highlights of the game?
The Steelers forced three turnovers (two interceptions and one fumble recovery), dominated third-down stops, and held Atlanta to just 226 total yards.
7. How did Bijan Robinson perform in the matchup?
Bijan Robinson was solid, rushing for 68 yards, but the Falcons didn’t utilize him enough to change the game’s momentum.
8. Why didn’t the Steelers score a touchdown?
The Steelers leaned on a conservative offensive strategy and had difficulty closing drives in the red zone, relying heavily on field goals instead.
9. What was the biggest difference between the two teams?
Pittsburgh’s third-down efficiency, defense, and turnover margin were the deciding factors. The Falcons struggled to maintain drives and protect the ball.
10. Where can I find more detailed analysis of this game?
You can check out the full breakdown and extended analysis on Empire Magazines, where the complete coverage includes stats, context, and post-game insights.
