3 Keys for the Falcons to beat Steelers

Offensive balance between Bijan Robinson and Drake London highlights Atlanta Falcons’ keys to success over the Steelers.

The Atlanta Falcons begin their new season on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team known for their strong defense. The Black and Gold have had defensive icons throughout their history, from “Mean” Joe Greene and the Steel Curtain to the current ‘Blitzburgh’ with Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt.

New Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, along with new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, will face off against his ‘old friend’, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Unquestionably, the heart and soul of this year’s Steelers align with the old adage that ‘defense wins championships.’

Reluctantly, Atlanta’s strength going into the year looks to be its offense, and here are a few keys to a positive outcome in Sunday’s home opener against its AFC opponent.

1. Keep the offensive attack on schedule and balanced to slow the Steeler’s pass rush.

The Steelers have one of the top front sevens in football, but the Falcons and offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford have their own squad that can compete with anyone. With All-Pro guard Chris Lindstrom leading the way, the trench struggle will be intriguing to watch from both inside and outside. To keep the opposing pass rush from quarterback Kirk Cousins, develop an efficient rushing approach with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.

Robinson and company’s ability to gain positive yardage each play and eliminate third and long situations will undoubtedly make life easier for the entire offense. Moreover, the offense’s ability to score touchdowns early will make their former head coach’s game plan one-dimensional.

2. Score early and put the pressure on a questionable offensive line and quarterback.

The Steelers believed they had answers at quarterback before the season, but they may have more problems. Russell Wilson was brought in to start, but he appears to be doubtful. Justin Fields is a wildcard who may have both remarkable and terrible effects on an offense.

However, with former head coach Arthur Smith in charge, Atlanta should have a fair sense of what is being planned. Falcons fans seen the previous two years of Smith’s offense with an inconsistent, mobile quarterback.

With two quality backs in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, fans should expect plenty of ground game. Furthermore, with problems along the offensive line, it’s difficult to imagine Smith getting creative with long-developing throw plays.

So the Falcons’ defense must stop the run. Putting Fields in difficult circumstances is crucial. Atlanta cannot be defeated by Fields’ legs.

3. Exploit the Steeler cornerbacks and let the offensive playmakers thrive. 

Aside from second-year CB Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh’s boundary corners lack talent and experience. Cory Trice Jr., Darius Rush, and Beanie Bishop Jr., a nickel cornerback, have three games of NFL experience.

Atlanta should try to exploit these defenses with the abilities of Darnell Mooney, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. All of them are highly skilled and experienced NFL players. Situational football, like as third-down and redzone situations, would provide an excellent opportunity to assess what the three new Steeler corners are capable of.

While All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and seven-year veteran safety DeShon Elliot can help, it only takes one well-planned play to set up a favorable one-on-one matchup. In his debut season, London had a good game against the Steelers, who had a less talented quarterback.

His six-catch, 95-yard receiving effort as a rookie against Sunday’s opponent in 2022 may be a small sample size for what he can do in his third NFL season with a talented veteran giving him the ball.

Atlanta is a 3.5-point favorite against the Steelers. Each team has a lot of fresh information and lots of questions. We’ll start receiving responses on Sunday at 1 p.m. EST.