The Pittsburgh Steelers face a challenging 2024 schedule, starting with an intriguing road game against the Atlanta Falcons. This matchup is loaded with compelling storylines, particularly the return of Arthur Smith, the Steelers' new offensive coordinator, to Atlanta. Smith previously served as the Falcons' head coach for three seasons before being let go after a 7-10 record in 2023. Having transitioned from a successful offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans to a struggling head coach, Smith is likely to be fueled by revenge in this opening game.
Adding to the intrigue, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and new Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris share a close friendship, with Morris considering Tomlin a mentor. Both coaches are excited about this matchup. Furthermore, Steelers' new return man and running back Cordarrelle Patterson, who played under Smith in Atlanta, will also be looking for redemption against his former team.
Currently, the Steelers are listed as three-point underdogs. Former NFL offensive lineman and analyst Brian Baldinger has weighed in, predicting that the Steelers will struggle to overcome the Falcons.
"I like the Falcons to win this game," Baldinger said. "I feel like, as good as Pittsburgh's defense is, when you look at Bijan [Robinson] and their ability to run the ball, I think that's gonna be the difference. Kirk Cousins is gonna make some plays. We'll see how Drake [London] and Kyle Pitts, how active they get."
The Falcons had a middling performance in 2023, but they’ve made significant improvements this offseason. Adding veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is recovering from a serious torn Achilles injury, should bolster their offense. By Week 1 against the Steelers, Cousins is expected to be at full health.
The Falcons also strengthened their roster with the additions of veteran talents like Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons. With playmakers on both sides of the ball, the Falcons have assembled a formidable team. This depth and talent is why Baldinger believes the Falcons will ultimately be too challenging for the Steelers to overcome.
"I feel like Atlanta is going to be able to run the ball against Pittsburgh better than what Pittsburgh is gonna be able to do."
The Steelers also boast a talented roster, recently naming Russell Wilson as their official starting quarterback. Wilson is eager to demonstrate his ability to turn the team’s fortunes around after a disappointing 2023 season. A strong performance in the Week 1 road game against Atlanta is crucial for Wilson, as any struggles could quickly lead fans to call for Justin Fields.
In 2024, the Steelers aim to establish a dominant running game, with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren leading the charge. While there were concerns about Warren's hamstring injury, he has assured that he will be ready for the opener, which is promising news for Steelers fans.
Patterson, expected to handle return duties, may also be used as a running back and occasionally as a wide receiver, similar to his role under Smith in Atlanta. Both the Steelers and Falcons feature playmakers on both sides of the ball, making this matchup particularly intriguing.
Steelers Can't Afford A Week 1 Loss To The Falcons
This game will be a significant challenge for Pittsburgh, and starting the season strong is essential. With a tough schedule ahead, a solid Week 1 performance is vital.
Despite the doubts surrounding the Steelers, a team led by Tomlin should never be underestimated. The Steelers will be looking for a much better start than last year’s 30-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. It was a miserable start to the year at home. Now on the road they have a chance to get Smith a victory against his former team and start the year with a big win.
