The Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats in a thrilling NFL matchup on September 8, 2024, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The game ended with the Steelers securing an 18-10 victory, largely thanks to an outstanding performance by kicker Chris Boswell, who nailed six field goals. This SEO-friendly article dives into the player stats, key performances, and critical moments that defined this hard-fought battle. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the game, this breakdown is designed to be clear, engaging, and easy to understand for readers of all ages.
Game Overview
The Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats was a defensive slugfest, with both teams struggling to find the end zone. Pittsburgh leaned heavily on their kicking game, with Boswell delivering a historic performance. Atlanta, meanwhile, managed one touchdown but couldn’t keep pace with the Steelers’ consistent scoring. The final score of 18-10 reflected Pittsburgh’s ability to capitalize on opportunities and Atlanta’s challenges with turnovers and offensive execution.
This article will explore the player stats for both teams, covering passing, rushing, receiving, defense, and special teams. We’ll also highlight standout performers and key plays that shaped the outcome. All stats are sourced from reputable outlets like ESPN and CBS Sports for accuracy.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Offensive Stats
Passing
The Steelers’ offense was led by quarterback Justin Fields, who stepped in as the starter and showed poise under pressure. Fields completed 17 of 23 passes for 156 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. His completion percentage of 73.9% was impressive, showcasing his ability to make smart, accurate throws. While he didn’t light up the scoreboard with passing touchdowns, Fields managed the game effectively, avoiding costly mistakes. His longest pass was a 40-yard completion to wide receiver George Pickens, which set up a crucial field goal.
Fields also contributed to the passing game with his mobility, though he faced two sacks for a loss of 23 yards. His ability to extend plays with his legs kept drives alive, a key factor in Pittsburgh’s sustained offensive pressure.
Rushing
The Steelers’ ground game was a team effort, with 41 rushing attempts totaling 137 yards. Running back Najee Harris led the way with 20 carries for 70 yards, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. His longest run was 20 yards, and he showed his physicality by powering through Atlanta’s defense. Harris also contributed in the passing game, catching one pass for 9 yards.
Fields himself was a significant factor in the rushing attack, carrying the ball 14 times for 57 yards, with a longest run of 12 yards. His dual-threat ability kept the Falcons’ defense guessing. Other contributors included Cordarrelle Patterson (4 carries, 13 yards) and Jaylen Warren (2 carries, 7 yards). Surprisingly, wide receiver George Pickens had one carry for a loss of 10 yards, a rare misstep in an otherwise strong game for him.
Receiving
The receiving corps was led by George Pickens, who hauled in 6 receptions for 85 yards on 7 targets. His longest catch of 40 yards was a highlight, showcasing his ability to stretch the field. Tight end Pat Freiermuth was a reliable target, catching 4 passes for 27 yards. Jaylen Warren added 2 receptions for 13 yards, while Harris, MyCole Pruitt, Calvin Austin III, Darnell Washington, and Van Jefferson each had one catch, contributing to a balanced receiving effort. The Steelers’ passing game was efficient, with 17 receptions on 22 targets for 156 yards.
Atlanta Falcons: Offensive Stats
Passing
Kirk Cousins, Atlanta’s quarterback, had a tougher day, completing 16 of 26 passes for 155 yards. He threw 1 touchdown but also had 2 interceptions, which proved costly. His completion percentage was 61.5%, and he averaged 5.3 yards per attempt. Cousins connected with tight end Kyle Pitts for a 12-yard touchdown in the second quarter, but his two picks, one by Donte Jackson and another by DeShon Elliott, halted Atlanta’s momentum. Cousins was sacked twice for a loss of 18 yards.
Rushing
The Falcons’ rushing attack was less productive, with 22 carries for 89 yards. Running back Bijan Robinson led the team with 18 carries for 68 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per carry. His longest run was 13 yards, and he showed flashes of his explosive potential. Tyler Allgeier added 3 carries for 21 yards, also with a longest run of 13 yards. Cousins had one carry for no gain. Atlanta’s ground game struggled to find rhythm against Pittsburgh’s stout defense.
Receiving
Atlanta’s receiving stats were spread across several players. Ray-Ray McCloud III led with 4 receptions for 52 yards on 7 targets, with a longest catch of 20 yards. Bijan Robinson was a dual-threat, catching 5 passes for 43 yards on 5 targets. Kyle Pitts had 3 receptions for 26 yards, including the team’s only touchdown. Drake London (2 catches, 15 yards), Darnell Mooney (1 catch, 15 yards), and Charlie Woerner (1 catch, 4 yards) rounded out the receiving efforts. The Falcons’ passing game showed potential but was hampered by turnovers.
Defensive Stats
Pittsburgh Steelers Defense
The Steelers’ defense was a game-changer, forcing three turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble recovery). Donte Jackson and DeShon Elliott each had an interception, with Jackson returning his for 49 yards. T.J. Watt was a force, recording 4 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 tackles for loss, including a crucial sack on Cousins in the fourth quarter. Minkah Fitzpatrick led with 7 tackles (6 solo), while Alex Highsmith, Cameron Heyward, and others contributed to a dominant performance. Pittsburgh’s defense limited Atlanta to 226 total yards and held them scoreless in the second half.
Atlanta Falcons Defense
Atlanta’s defense held their own, recording 83 total tackles and 2 sacks on Fields. Kaden Elliss led with 9 tackles (4 solo), while Mike Hughes and Jessie Bates III each had 7 and 6 tackles, respectively. Grady Jarrett and Arnold Ebiketie combined for 1.5 sacks, and the defense recorded 7 tackles for loss. Despite their efforts, Atlanta couldn’t stop Pittsburgh’s field goal barrage or prevent key third-down conversions (Pittsburgh converted 8 of 17 third downs).
Special Teams
Pittsburgh Steelers
Kicker Chris Boswell was the undisputed MVP of the game, going 6 for 6 on field goals with makes from 57, 51, 44, 56, 40, and 25 yards. His 18 points accounted for all of Pittsburgh’s scoring, a rare feat in the NFL. Punter Cameron Johnston had 2 punts for 103 yards, with a long of 58 yards, and Boswell added a 43-yard punt. Calvin Austin III handled punt returns, totaling 4 returns for 47 yards (long of 16 yards). The Steelers had no kick returns.
Atlanta Falcons
Younghoe Koo was perfect for Atlanta, making a 24-yard field goal and a point-after-touchdown. Punter Bradley Pinion had 4 punts for 210 yards, with a long of 59 yards. Ray-Ray McCloud III returned 2 kicks for 56 yards (long of 29 yards), and Avery Williams had 2 punt returns for 28 yards. Atlanta’s special teams were solid but couldn’t match Boswell’s historic output.
Key Moments and Standout Performances
Chris Boswell’s Historic Day
Boswell’s six field goals tied an NFL record for most in a single game, earning him widespread praise. His ability to connect from long distances (57 and 56 yards) and deliver in clutch moments (a 25-yard field goal with 0:31 left) sealed the victory for Pittsburgh. His performance was especially critical given the Steelers’ inability to score touchdowns in the red zone (0 for 2).
Justin Fields’ Steady Hand
Fields didn’t dazzle with gaudy stats, but his efficiency (73.9% completion rate) and mobility (57 rushing yards) kept the Steelers in control. His clean game—no interceptions or fumbles lost—was a stark contrast to Cousins’ turnovers. Fields’ ability to convert 71.4% of third downs (5 of 7) was pivotal in sustaining drives.
Atlanta’s Turnover Woes
The Falcons’ three turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble) were a major factor in their loss. Cousins’ second interception, picked off by Elliott in the third quarter, swung momentum firmly in Pittsburgh’s favor. A fumble by center Drew Dalman further hampered Atlanta’s offense. These mistakes prevented the Falcons from capitalizing on their early 10-9 lead.
Defensive Dominance
Both defenses played hard-nosed football, but Pittsburgh’s unit had the edge. T.J. Watt’s sack on Cousins late in the game stopped a potential Falcons comeback, and the Steelers’ ability to shut out Atlanta in the second half was decisive. Atlanta’s defense, while aggressive, couldn’t overcome Pittsburgh’s field position advantage and Boswell’s kicking prowess.
Team Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats Comparison
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Total Yards: Steelers 270, Falcons 226
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First Downs: Steelers 16, Falcons 15
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Third-Down Efficiency: Steelers 8/17 (47.1%), Falcons 2/9 (22.2%)
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Fourth-Down Efficiency: Steelers 0/1 (0%), Falcons 1/1 (100%)
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Time of Possession: Steelers 35:36, Falcons 24:24
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Penalties: Steelers 9 for 60 yards, Falcons 5 for 34 yards
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Turnovers: Steelers 0, Falcons 3
The Steelers’ edge in time of possession and third-down conversions allowed them to control the game’s pace, while Atlanta’s turnovers and poor third-down performance (2/9) limited their offensive opportunities.
Why This Game Mattered
This Week 1 matchup set the tone for both teams’ seasons. For Pittsburgh, the 18-10 victory improved their record to 1-0 and showcased their ability to win gritty, low-scoring games. Boswell’s performance was a reminder of the importance of special teams, and Fields’ steady play silenced doubters about his role as the starter. For Atlanta, the loss dropped them to 0-1, highlighting the need to protect the ball and improve red-zone efficiency (1 for 2).
Looking Ahead
The Steelers’ next game will test their ability to build on this win, while the Falcons will look to bounce back and address their turnover issues. Both teams showed strengths—Pittsburgh’s defense and kicking, Atlanta’s potential in the run game—but also areas for improvement. For fans, this game was a reminder of how small plays, like a kicker’s accuracy or a timely interception, can swing an NFL game.
Conclusion
The Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats on September 8, 2024, was a masterclass in defensive football and special teams excellence. Chris Boswell’s six field goals stole the show, while Justin Fields and the Steelers’ defense ensured a hard-fought 18-10 victory. Atlanta’s Kirk Cousins and Bijan Robinson showed promise, but turnovers and a lack of second-half scoring doomed their efforts. This detailed breakdown of player stats offers a clear picture of the game’s key moments and standout performers, making it easy for fans of all ages to relive the action.