The Pittsburgh Steelers took care of business to kickoff the 2026 season, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 20-13 to begin the year 1-0 and win their third consecutive season opener. And while a win is always great, there is also always good and bad aspects of each contest to dissect.
Each week, Joey Bray and I will present our grades from the most noteworthy players and aspects of the Steelers, so let’s dive into Week 1 grades.
QB Aaron Rodgers
Jarrett Bailey: The 24-of-40 box score doesn’t do Rodgers’ justice. I discussed
it earlier in the day, but there was over 100 yards through the air left on the field due to drops, penalties, and a missed pass interference call that could have been a touchdown had DK Metcalf not been interfered with. Rodgers was constantly pushing the ball downfield, averaging over 10 yards per target. That was promising to see. He protected the ball, he put is pass-catchers in position to make plays, and looked largely comfortable doing it. Grade: B
Joey Bray: There is plenty of reason for optimism about Rodgers after yesterday. Going into Monday Night Football, PFF gave Rodgers an 85.7 grade for his performance, first among all quarterbacks. Perhaps the most encouraging part of Rodgers’ performance for me was how much he pushed the ball down the field. Rodgers posted an ADOT of 10.5 in Week 1 after posting a 6.16 mark last season. The legendary quarterback was let down by his receivers on several occasions during the contest. The rust of not playing all preseason seemed to be apparent all afternoon, as the receivers and Rodgers seemed to be just a tick off timing-wise with one another. If a few more throws are caught, we could be talking about a much different grade for Rodgers. Although I am encouraged by his overall performance, the stats don’t jump out enough to warrant an A: Grade: B
WR DK Metcalf
Jarrett Bailey: When you’re making the money DK Metcalf is making, 40 yards on 10 targets just won’t cut it. He had a pair of OPI penalties, one of which negated a 19 yard catch and run. The drop over the middle of the field in the second half would have been a gain of at least 20, likely more if he is able to keep running with the ball, and he was unable to drag his feet down the sideline on a 4th-and-3 toss from Rodgers. The Steelers need more from Metcalf. Plain and simple. Grade: D
Joey Bray: It’s hard to put into words how disappointing Metcalf was in Week 1. On ten targets, the receiver brought in just four of them for 40 yards. The drops that plagued Metcalf throughout this contest are by far the biggest issue. The resounding booing that ensued after Metcalf dropped a ball over the middle that would have almost certainly resulted in a nice chunk gain afterwards spoke volumes to just how fed up fans are becoming. Metcalf needs to be better. After a disappointing first season in Pittsburgh and added help in the receiver room, this was supposed to be the time for Metcalf to break through. Instead, it was more drops and two more personal fouls to cost his team yards in the season opener. Grade: F
Run game
Jarrett Bailey: Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle combined for just 61 yards on 18 carries. I don’t put the onus all on them – the offensive line could have been far better. especially when it comes to Dylan Cook. Regardless, it’s concerning that Pittsburgh couldn’t get anything going on the ground against a mediocre Falcons defensive front. The New England Patriots have one of the top defensive lines in football, and the Steelers head to Foxborough in Week 2. A lot of things better get cleaned up between now and then. Grade: D
Joey Bray: The Steelers offense did not have to do much to escape with a victory in this one. It was Jaylen Warren who paced the running back room with ten carries compared to eight for Rico Dowdle. The fact that the Steelers only amassed 58 yards rushing is worrisome, even though it’s only Week 1. Atlanta’s defensive line was beaten up before the game even started, so I anticipated a much more run-heavy approach. Dowdle’s 1.9 yards per carry was concerning. Warren outclassed Dowdle on the ground and as a receiver, consistently looking more explosive and effective when on the field. Dowdle will have to pick up the efficiency if the Steelers run game is going to take a step forward this season. Grade: C-
Pass Defense
Jarrett Bailey: The Steelers allowed just four receptions to Falcons receivers, only one of which went for north of 20 yards. Without Joey Porter, the likes of Jamel Dean, Asante Samuel, and Jaquan Brisker led the secondary to a great day that featured two interceptions and Cooper Rush completing just 12 passes. Grade: A
Joey Bray: No Joey Porter Jr.? No problem. I was willing to give the Steelers’ pass defense a pass in this one, given that they were without their top corner and arguably their best safety, DeShon Elliott. However, I don’t need to give them a pass, because they did exactly what they were supposed to do against Cooper Rush. Jaquan Brisker stepped up in a big way with his interception, and we can even count TJ Watt in with the pass defense after one of the most impressive defensive plays you will ever see. 90 of the Falcons’ passing yards came on dump-offs to Bijan Robinson. Drake London was the Atlanta receiver with the most yards, and he recorded just 29 yards on two catches. This secondary is not nearly as good without Porter Jr. in the lineup, but you have to be impressed with the way they performed yesterday. Grade: A
Special Teams
Jarrett Bailey: I’m still trying to figure out what happened on that field goal where Cam Johnston gets the snap, bails, and throws it out of bounds. Chris Boswell also missed a field goal, which is a rare sight. The Falcons also averaged 30 yards per kick return. Grade: D-
Joey Bray: I don’t have the adjectives to describe whatever happened on the “attempted” field goal where Cam Johnston took the snap and threw the ball out of bounds. From my view, it looked like the snap came early and nobody was prepared for it. We saw a rare Chris Boswell missed field goal in the 4th quarter from 56 yards out. With no big returns by Kaden Wetjen and two big missed opportunities, it’s tough to say much positive about the special teams this week. Grade: F
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
- Mike Tomlin mocks Browns after blowout loss to Jaguars
- The morning after: Aaron Rodgers needs more from his receivers
- Steelers stock report after Week 1 win over Falcons
- T.J. Watt turns back clock in Steelers win over Falcons
- Steelers open to Joey Porter Jr trade
