The Pittsburgh Steelers and the rest of the NFL are finally back as the opening weekend is underway. Pittsburgh's first challenge of the year will come against the Atlanta Falcons, as Kirk Cousins makes his debut since signing a four-year contract worth $180 million. Cousins will have to deal with an improved and healthy Steelers defense; a unit that is looking for a big year. Cousins was asked about the challenges he and Atlanta's offense will face on Sunday, and the quarterback couldn't help but admit that Pittsburgh's defense will be a problem.
For Pittsburgh's standards, the defense hasn't lived up to its full potential the last few seasons. Part of that is due to a handful of key injuries, including TJ Watt's pectoral injury in 2022 and Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick's unfortunate injuries in 2023. After rejuvenating and making some nice additions throughout the offseason, Pittsburgh's defense is ready to start dominating.
Watt and the defense will be facing some tough challenges in Week 1, as they'll have to keep Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts all in check. Cousins wasn't able to get things going with his play-makers during the preseason because he's coming off of a season-ending achilles injury.
Cousins will be stepping onto the field with his teammates for the first time on Sunday, and he probably wishes it was against another defense. Cousins was asked about Steelers' new addition Patrick Queen and how he'll affect the duel.
"Played on an elite defense last year, knows what it looks like," Cousins said. "I just think, high respect for Patrick, for his production as a player in his career, for the defense he's now on, for the coaches they have. It'll be one of the best groups we play all year and a great challenge for us. Just full of professionals and productive players who have been very consistent. They're not up and down players. They're players who are gonna get after you from the first snap to the last. That's an intensity and an excellence that we have to match."
The Steelers have defensive play-makers all over the field. Leading the charge up front will be Watt, Heyward and also Alex Highsmith, who is one of the most underrated edge rushers with 21.5 sacks over the last two seasons. These three guys will have the biggest effect on Cousins with his mobility now likely being very limited. According to StatMuse, the Falcons allowed 40 sacks in 2023, which isn't terrible, but not nearly good enough to stop Pittsburgh's defense.
The Steelers' current quarterback situation with Russell Wilson's calf injury is concerning for the team's chances in Atlanta, but the defense is used to winning games on its own. Don't be surprised if the Steelers come away victorious in a low-scoring game led by the defense wrecking the game for Cousins and the Falcons.
Steelers' Defense Main Focus Should Be Stopping RB Bijan Robinson
In his first season in the NFL, Robinson rushed for 976 yards on the ground and caught 58 passes for 487 yards. Scoring eight total touchdowns, Robinson became a problem for other defenses, even after the Falcons were giving him low volume. Much like the Steelers and what Arthur Smith has planned, Atlanta wants the offense to win on offense through the running back.
If Heyward and the line up front can contain Robinson, then Cousins will be forced to start throwing the ball. This is where Watt and Highsmith could start to make plays and put Cousins under constant pressure.
Much like in 2023, the defense is going to keep the team in just about every game, and will even single-handedly win some. Expect to see that in Week 1 with the Steelers' offense having some uncertainty. If their defense stays healthy for the majority, there could be a handful of Steelers defenders earning Pro-Bowl nods this season. Tune in on Sunday, September 8th at 1:00 ET to watch Pittsburgh's defense wreak havoc on Cousins and Atlanta.
