Arthur Smith's Steelers vs. Falcons Season Opener: Revisiting the Last Meeting

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for their 2024 season opener against the Atlanta Falcons on September 8, with hopes of replicating their previous success. The last time these two teams met, on December 4, 2022, the Steelers secured a narrow 19-16 victory.

During that 2022 clash, then-quarterback Kenny Pickett, who has since moved to the Philadelphia Eagles, led the Steelers with 197 passing yards and a touchdown, completing 16 of 28 passes. Running back Najee Harris contributed significantly with 17 carries for 86 yards, while tight end Pat Freiermuth led in receptions with three catches for 76 yards. A 17-yard touchdown pass from Pickett to Connor Heyward was the only touchdown for the Steelers, while kicker, at the time, Matthew Wright added four field goals and an extra point to secure the win.

Looking ahead to the season opener, the Steelers have named Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback. Wilson, who faced competition from former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields during training camp, ultimately earned the starting role but would end up missing several practices due to a calf injury. While Fields showcased his athleticism, Wilson's experience and command at the line of scrimmage solidified his position as the safer choice to lead the offense.

The Steelers' offensive lineup for Week 1 includes key players such as Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth and new additions like wide receiver Van Jefferson and tight end Darnell Washington. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith will aim to leverage this mix of talent to deliver a strong performance against a Falcons team eager for revenge.

Related: Steelers Name Russell Wilson as Starting Quarterback

As the Steelers finalize preparations, injury concerns loom large. Per CBS Sports, from August 18 to August 28, the Steelers have dealt with 10 injuries , and now with Isaac Seumalo’s recent pectoral injury, the count has risen to 11. Seumalo’s status remains uncertain as the team awaits further test results, which could force Pittsburgh to make adjustments on their offensive line ahead of the opener.

With a restructured offensive unit and a new quarterback at the helm, the Steelers are set to face a challenging Falcons defense. Pittsburgh's ability to navigate these early hurdles will be crucial as they aim to start the season strong and build on their past success against Atlanta.