The Falcons opened the season on the wrong foot by losing to a team that failed to get into the end zone. Atlanta’s Week 1 matchup was death by a thousand cuts as Chris Boswell netted six field goals to give Pittsburgh an 18-10 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Considering the lofty expectations entering the season, fans were upset and even some former players expressed their frustration on social media. Former Falcons running back Devonta Freeman, who played six years in Atlanta and rushed for nearly 4,000 yards, summed up the loss in one word: “trash.”
Freeman last played in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens in 2021 following a one-year stint with the New York Giants in 2020. Freeman hasn’t had the best relationship with the Falcons since being released after the 2019 season, but he clearly still follows the team.
Many Falcons fans expressed similar sentiments on Twitter following Sunday’s ugly loss to Arthur Smith and the Steelers. Kirk Cousins was pressured often and threw two interceptions in his debut. Running back Bijan Robinson racked up over 100 all-purpose yards but the team rushed for just 89 yards for the day.
Atlanta has a tough road test in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.
5 takeaways from Falcons' 18-10 loss to the Steelers
Falcons Twitter reacts to sloppy Week 1 loss to the Steelers
WATCH: Falcons' Matthew Judon, Grady Jarrett sack Justin Fields
WATCH: Falcons DL Grady Jarrett sacks Steelers QB Justin Fields
Best photos from Falcons' Week 1 matchup vs. Steelers
NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback… Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) on the final play of the game during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrate after a sack… Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrate after a sack against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Kyle Pitts #8 and Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Kyle Pitts #8 and Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrate after Pitts' receiving touchdown during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a pass… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a pass over Donte Jackson #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: A referee gets in between George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: A referee gets in between George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Broderick Jones #77 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jessie Bates III #3 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Justin Fields #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a pass while… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Justin Fields #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a pass while pressured by Eddie Goldman #99 of the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) calls for second down… Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) calls for second down against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) looks to throw against… Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) looks to throw against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) looks to throw against… Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) looks to throw against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) is tackled by… Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) passes against the Pittsburgh… Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) passes the ball against… Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) passes the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans watch their team warm up prior to… Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans watch their team warm up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on the field prior… Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) on the field prior… Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) on the field prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. (9) and Kirk Cousins… Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. (9) and Kirk Cousins (18) on the field prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. (9) and Kirk Cousins… Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. (9) and Kirk Cousins (18) on the field prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on the field prior… Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) on the field prior… Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) on the field prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) on the field prior… Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: DeShon Elliott #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers intercepts a pass intended… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: DeShon Elliott #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers intercepts a pass intended for Drake London #5 of the Atlanta Falcons while Donte Jackson #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: DeShon Elliott #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers intercepts a pass intended… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: DeShon Elliott #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers intercepts a pass intended for Drake London #5 of the Atlanta Falcons while Donte Jackson #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cameron Heyward… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons attempts a pass during… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Justin Fields #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a pass while… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Justin Fields #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a pass while pressured by Eddie Goldman #99 of the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Younghoe Koo #6 of the Atlanta Falcons kicks a field goal… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Younghoe Koo #6 of the Atlanta Falcons kicks a field goal during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Justin Fields #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers dives extra yardage past… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Justin Fields #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers dives extra yardage past Kaden Elliss #55 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Jessie Bates III #3 of the Atlanta Falcons tackles Pat Freiermuth… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Jessie Bates III #3 of the Atlanta Falcons tackles Pat Freiermuth #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: James Daniels #78 of the Pittsburgh Steelers wears a Guardian Cap… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: James Daniels #78 of the Pittsburgh Steelers wears a Guardian Cap while making a block during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Darnell Mooney #1 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after a first… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Darnell Mooney #1 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after a first down during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons hands the ball off… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons hands the ball off to Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after a first… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after a first down during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Justin Fields #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a pass during… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Justin Fields #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Justin Fields #2 and Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Justin Fields #2 and Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warm up prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: A general view of Mercedes-Benz Stadium prior to a game between… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: A general view of Mercedes-Benz Stadium prior to a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: A general view of Mercedes-Benz Stadium prior to a game between… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: A general view of Mercedes-Benz Stadium prior to a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Pittsburgh Steelers fans take a photo prior to a game against… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Pittsburgh Steelers fans take a photo prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: An Atlanta Falcons totem pole prior to a game against the… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: An Atlanta Falcons totem pole prior to a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: A Pittsburgh Steelers fan attemtFreddie the Falcon prior to a game… ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: A Pittsburgh Steelers fan attemtFreddie the Falcon prior to a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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