By admin 
The Pittsburgh Steelers opened the 2026 season with a 20-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. While the offense had its share of struggles, several Steelers players made major impacts on the game.
From veteran leaders making game-changing plays to newcomers stepping up when needed, here are four winners and two losers from Pittsburgh’s Week 1 victory.
WINNER: T.J. Watt
Watt was the best player on the field Sunday afternoon. He took over the game and cemented himself as a player of the week with a critical fourth-quarter play.
Watt put the Steelers up 20-10 with his pick-six. In classic Watt fashion, he got his hands up at the line of scrimmage and snatched the ball away. Add in his two sacks, and Watt reminded fans and analysts why he remains one of the league’s best.
LOSER: DK Metcalf
It wasn’t a great game for Metcalf. He had a few drops, with a couple of them being tough grabs. However, his glaring drop on a post route might have set him loose for a potential touchdown. Needless to say, it wasn’t his best performance.
Metcalf, though, saw his first game action after missing most of training camp and the preseason. It could simply be a case of working through some Week 1 rust.
WINNER: Pat Freiermuth
Freiermuth was going to be needed in this one, and he delivered in a big way. He led the team with five receptions and caught the Steelers’ lone offensive touchdown.
Freiermuth is going to be a critical component of this offense in 2026. He was much more involved in the game plan and performed at a high level.
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LOSER: Dylan Cook
Cook wasn’t downright awful, but he wasn’t lights-out, either. Compared to his peers along the Steelers’ offensive line, it was a rough performance. It won’t force a change, but it could raise some questions.
Perhaps more discouraging is the fact that this came against a depleted Falcons front. Next week’s matchup in New England won’t be any easier.
WINNER: Cam Heyward
Heyward was incredible on Sunday. He overwhelmed the Falcons’ interior and seemed to be everywhere the ball was. You couldn’t tell he was 37 years old.
Heyward also knocked down three passes at the line of scrimmage. It was a textbook performance from the Steelers’ defensive captain.
WINNER: Michael Pittman Jr.
Pittman was the team’s leading receiver. Not only that, he showed why the Steelers were excited to acquire him from the Indianapolis Colts. With Metcalf having a tough day, Pittman stepped up.
He reeled in three catches for 58 yards, including some crucial first downs. Pittman provided a steady presence that opposing defenses might soon realize they need to seriously account for.
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This story was originally published September 13, 2026 at 3:41 PM.