The Pittsburgh Steelers opened Mike McCarthy's tenure as head coach with a 20-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, though the offensive showing left questions about the team's ability to move the ball consistently. Pittsburgh managed just 264 yards in the win, per multiple reports.

T.J. Watt was the game's defining force, recording a pick-six that proved decisive in the Steelers' victory. Yahoo Sports noted that Watt's performance represented a throwback display from the star defensive end.

For Atlanta, the loss was marked by offensive struggles and special teams issues. Yahoo Sports reported that backup quarterback Cooper Rush delivered a poor performance, while the Falcons also missed field goals in what was described as a frustrating Week 1 defeat. One outlet characterized it as "a familiar sort of falling short" for the franchise. McCarthy's specific influence on Pittsburgh's offensive approach was evident in the game plan, though the unit's production remained limited throughout the afternoon.