Introduction
The Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Atlanta Falcons in a preseason matchup that saw the Steelers come out on top, securing an 18-10 victory. Both teams entered the game with different objectives, but the game provided an excellent opportunity to assess individual performances, team dynamics, and how key player stats impacted the final result. This article will analyze the significant player statistics from the game, examining key performances on both sides of the ball, including passing, rushing, and defensive contributions. By breaking down these numbers, we’ll gain a better understanding of how each team’s players performed and the factors that led to Pittsburgh’s win.
Key Offensive Stats
Passing Game
The passing game was a key component of this matchup, and both teams had their moments, though neither offense put up eye-popping numbers through the air.
For the Steelers, quarterback Mitch Trubisky completed 17 of 23 pass attempts for 133 yards, a solid outing, but not overly impressive in terms of yardage. Trubisky averaged 5.3 yards per attempt, a somewhat modest figure, but his efficiency was crucial in a game where both teams struggled to consistently move the ball. He did not throw any interceptions, which was an important factor in maintaining control of the game. While Trubisky’s yards per attempt weren’t huge, he managed the game well and helped sustain drives.
On the Falcons’ side, Marcus Mariota threw for 137 yards on 16 completions from 26 attempts. His yards per attempt (4.9) were slightly lower than Trubisky’s, and like Trubisky, he also did not throw any touchdowns. However, Mariota threw two interceptions, which played a major role in the Falcons’ inability to capitalize on their offensive opportunities. One of those interceptions came in a critical moment, stalling what could have been a potential scoring drive.
While neither quarterback had a standout performance, the key takeaway was that the Steelers had the upper hand in ball security. Mariota’s two interceptions, compared to no turnovers from the Steelers, gave Pittsburgh a significant advantage.
Rushing Attack
The rushing game for both teams was much more productive than the passing game. The Steelers rushed for 137 yards on 41 attempts, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. The workload was well-distributed, with multiple running backs getting opportunities. Najee Harris, the Steelers’ workhorse, had a solid game with 55 yards on 17 carries. He didn’t break out for any big runs, but he was a steady presence and played a critical role in helping control the clock. Harris’s performance helped Pittsburgh dominate the time of possession, which was a deciding factor in the game.
The Falcons had a much more efficient rushing attack in terms of yards per carry, averaging 4.0 yards per rush. However, they only rushed for 89 yards on 22 attempts, significantly fewer than Pittsburgh. Cordarrelle Patterson was the Falcons’ leading rusher with 60 yards on 10 attempts, an average of 6.0 yards per carry. Patterson showed bursts of explosiveness, but Atlanta’s offensive line struggled to maintain consistency, which limited the effectiveness of the running game as the game wore on.
Overall, the Steelers’ ability to run the ball effectively with more attempts helped control the game tempo and keep the Falcons’ offense off the field. In contrast, Atlanta was unable to establish a dominant ground game, which contributed to their inability to sustain long drives.
Red Zone Performance
One of the key factors in any football game is the performance in the red zone, and both teams had opportunities to capitalize. The Steelers’ red zone performance was particularly concerning, as they failed to score on both of their trips inside the 20-yard line. This inability to convert was a point of frustration for Pittsburgh, but their defense and field position ultimately helped them maintain a lead.
The Falcons were slightly better in the red zone, converting one of their two trips into a touchdown. However, Atlanta’s struggles to finish drives were evident. A lack of execution, paired with the turnovers and missed opportunities, limited their ability to take full advantage of red zone situations.
Defensive Standouts
Steelers’ Defensive Performance
The Steelers’ defense was, by all accounts, the highlight of the game. They allowed just 226 total yards and only 89 rushing yards. Pittsburgh was able to apply pressure consistently, forcing two sacks for 23 yards in losses. The Steelers also played tight coverage, allowing just 16 completions on 26 attempts.
The defense’s biggest contribution came through the turnovers. With two interceptions and a fumble recovery, the Steelers’ defense effectively neutralized any momentum the Falcons might have gained. The Falcons’ offensive struggles were a direct result of the pressure Pittsburgh’s defense exerted, limiting the Falcons’ ability to build any consistent offensive rhythm.
The pass rush was solid but not overpowering. While the Steelers’ defensive line didn’t register a significant number of sacks, they consistently pressured Mariota, forcing him into bad throws. Additionally, linebacker Devin Bush had a solid game with key tackles that helped stop the Falcons on third downs.
Falcons’ Defensive Performance
The Falcons’ defense, on the other hand, had a much more difficult time keeping the Steelers’ offense at bay. While they allowed just 270 total yards, the Steelers’ ability to control the ball for over 35 minutes put significant pressure on Atlanta’s defense. The Falcons’ pass rush didn’t generate much pressure on Trubisky, who was only sacked twice for a loss of 18 yards. This lack of pass rush allowed Trubisky to maintain his composure and manage the game effectively.
The Falcons also struggled with tackling at times, especially in the secondary. While they were able to limit the big plays, Pittsburgh’s steady drive accumulation, led by Harris’ ability to gain positive yardage, wore down Atlanta’s defensive line and linebackers. The Falcons’ defense, while not terrible, lacked the ability to make a game-changing play, which ultimately hurt them.
Special Teams
Special teams played a relatively quiet role in the game, but both teams had their moments. The Steelers didn’t give up any big plays in the return game, and their coverage teams were solid throughout. The Falcons also had decent special teams play, though nothing that swung the game in their favor.
Turnovers and Penalties
One of the most telling statistics from the game was the turnover differential. The Steelers had zero turnovers, while the Falcons had three. The two interceptions thrown by Mariota and the lost fumble were critical, as they resulted in lost scoring opportunities and allowed Pittsburgh to maintain possession of the ball longer. Additionally, Pittsburgh had zero fumbles, showcasing excellent ball security on their end. Penalties also played a role, though not as large as turnovers. The Steelers committed 9 penalties for 60 yards, while the Falcons had 5 penalties for 34 yards. While not catastrophic, Pittsburgh’s penalty yards did hurt at times, especially on offense, as they had to overcome some longer downs and distances due to penalties.
Time of Possession
Pittsburgh dominated the time of possession, holding the ball for 35 minutes and 36 seconds compared to Atlanta’s 24 minutes and 24 seconds. This time advantage allowed Pittsburgh to control the pace of the game, limit Atlanta’s offensive opportunities, and wear down the Falcons’ defense.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ victory over the Atlanta Falcons was built on key contributions from their defense, ball security, and a more efficient running game. While both offenses struggled to generate significant passing yards, Pittsburgh was able to control the ball and execute better in key moments. The Falcons, on the other hand, were hampered by turnovers, inconsistent play calling, and a lack of execution in critical situations, particularly in the red zone. The Steelers’ ability to dominate possession and avoid turnovers was crucial in their 18-10 win. As for the Falcons, they will need to improve their offensive consistency and limit turnovers if they hope to be more competitive in future games.
