Concerns for the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons
What to expect from the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1 against the Falcons
PITTSBURGH — It’s another season for Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, but this one will have a much different look.
Russell Wilson has been named the team’s starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, setting the stage for an intriguing dynamic under the future Hall of Fame coach.
Wilson alone may not be enough to overcome the struggles of 2023 under Kenny Pickett, especially with the roster challenges heading into 2024. The depth behind George Pickens is a concern, and the Brandon Aiyuk missed opportunity only adds to the uncertainty.
The Steelers Offense for Week 1
The Steelers’ offensive line remains a significant question mark. Despite differing opinions on the preseason, the performances observed were, at the very least, concerning.
The offense remains the biggest question mark, especially with Wilson’s limited showings in the preseason and the concerns already mentioned. Adding newly signed offensive coordinator Arthur Smith into the mix doesn’t necessarily inspire confidence.
However, it’s worth noting that Smith is expected to be an improvement over Matt Canada, which offers some hope. Having served as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, he possesses valuable insight into their roster.
The Steelers Defense for Week 1
The Steelers’ defense, as always, looks promising and is expected to be the driving force in Week 1, regardless of any optimism surrounding the offense.
There is significant promise across the board, particularly in the linebacker corps, where depth stands out. Players like Nick Herbig, who could easily be a starter on other teams, add to the strength of the unit.
Joey Porter Jr. is entering his second season, and the defensive backfield appears much more solid compared to its pre-draft state earlier this year.
What to expect from the Steelers in Atlanta
You can expect the usual from the Steelers, as unpredictability has become the norm year in and year out.
Expect the Steelers to dominate, and they’ll get blown out like in Week 1 of the 2023 season against the 49ers. Expect them to get blown out, and they’ll scrape by with a close win on the road. That’s who this team is and will be until they change our minds.
That said, giving them a chance to prove us wrong should always be the mindset regardless of our concerns, and that’s the attitude that should be had here.
