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Atlanta, Ga – In their first action as an offensive unit versus an opponent, the Falcons starters had their moments but couldn’t muster up enough offense to win the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in their 18-10 loss.
There were good moments and hard to watch moments but in all, it’s always a chance for the team to learn from the game.
Overview
It was evident that not playing the starters in the preseason affected the play of the Falcons. Whether it was fatigue, cohesiveness or even adjusting to the speed, the Falcons couldn’t find a rhythm offensively.
Kirk Cousins wasn’t as affective as most would like him to be. Cousins threw for 155 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions. It didn’t help that the offensive line couldn’t contain T.J. Watt and the Steelers defensive line.
The second interception was caused by Cousins getting sandwiched as he was throwing the ball.
The defense made plays when they needed them the most. The biggest play was stopping the Steelers on a fourth and one on their own seven yard-line.
Besides a few big plays, they were able to contain the Steelers offense. The play that might have hurt the team the most by the defense was allowing the Steelers to come back and get a field goal in the first half with over 32 seconds left in the half.
That changed the momentum after they scored the go-ahead touchdown. They allowed the big pass-play which put the Steelers in field goal position.
Positives
The offensive line was able to create lanes for Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier early on. The only two scoring drives featured the running backs getting into the second level of the defense.
Kyle Pitts caught a 12-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter with 32 seconds left in the first half. He had three catches for 26 yards but it’s a promising start, especially when the team struggled offensively.
The Falcons featured Robinson in the offensive scheme which gives an indication that this will be something to look for in the future. Robinson had 111 yards from scrimmage by a way of 68 rushing yards and 43 receiving yards, off 22 combined touches.
Regardless who’s at quarterback, the Falcons kept the Steelers’ offense out of the end zone. If that’s not indicative of the offseason moves that were made, including head coach Raheem Morris, defensive coach Jimmy Lake and his assistants, than nothing is.
Grady Jarrett returned to action after his ACL injury and recorded a sack and a half. He also had three quarterback hits, which allowed him to surpass John Abraham for most quarterback hits (115) in Falcons’ history.
Defensive end, Matthew Judon was on the other end of the half sack with Grady. That sack came during a crucial time in the fourth quarter.
Negatives
The Falcons gave up three turnovers, two interceptions and a fumble after the snap hit the wide receiver who was in motion.
The offensive line couldn’t contain Watt and the defensive line. They allowed two sacks and Cousins was pressured all game.
Wide receiver Drake London is expected to have a big year, and although he has more than enough time, he was non-existent on Sunday. London had two catches for 15 yards on three targets.
Defensively, they allowed two big plays and what could have been three if it wasn’t for an iffy offensive pass interference call on wide receiver George Pickens.
