Watt’s late interception return lifts Steelers past Falcons 20-13

T.J. Watt’s fourth-quarter interception return gave the Pittsburgh Steelers a 20-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL season opener, turning a closely contested game in favour of the home side.

Watt intercepted Cooper Rush and returned the pass 35 yards for the decisive touchdown, briefly stumbling before continuing into the end zone. He also recorded two sacks as Pittsburgh’s defence limited Atlanta’s starting quarterback.

The Steelers sacked Rush four times and deflected six passes. Rush started after Tua Tagovailoa was managing an oblique injury, leaving Atlanta to rely on its replacement quarterback against a Pittsburgh defence that kept pressure on him throughout the game.

Aaron Rodgers threw for 221 yards and a touchdown to Pat Freiermuth, but Pittsburgh’s offence made a sluggish start. The Steelers’ running game offered limited support, while dropped passes also disrupted Rodgers’ performance.

Pittsburgh controlled the closing stages, holding possession for the final 4:16. Rodgers completed passes to DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman and Darnell Washington during the clinching drive before the Steelers closed out the result.

The game was reported as Mike McCarthy’s debut as Pittsburgh coach. Kevin Stefanski began his first season as Atlanta’s coach, with the Falcons opening the campaign at 0-1.