By admin 
When the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Atlanta Falcons, they will face an offense filled with talent. Though Atlanta’s quarterback situation is relatively shaky, its skill positions are elite. Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson create mismatches against any defense and have the ability to dominate on any given Sunday.
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Pittsburgh will need all hands on deck regardless of who lines up at quarterback. However, if there is one dark-horse X-factor on defense, it is certainly Payton Wilson. Wilson is entering his third and crucial season with the Steelers. Though he has flashed moments of brilliance, he has also struggled with consistency. If there is a game in which the Steelers need him to become a difference-maker, this is it.
Payton Wilson Can Be the Steelers’ Dark-Horse X-Factor
Wilson’s struggles have been well documented throughout his first two seasons. However, they are not anything he cannot overcome. Most of his issues have stemmed from inconsistent play against the run and second-guessing himself in coverage. Of those concerns, his run defense needs the most work.
The Falcons present a unique challenge for Pittsburgh’s defense, and Wilson will play an integral role against Pitts and Robinson. His skill set can help even the playing field against two of Atlanta’s most dangerous offensive weapons.
The Steelers are hopeful Wilson can reach his sky-high ceiling. His athleticism and speed give him endless possibilities. We have also seen glimpses of what that ceiling looks like. When Wilson plays at his highest level, the entire defense can reach another level. Two games in 2025 showed what Wilson and this defense are capable of when he finds his stride.
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When Wilson Is at His Best, the Rest of the Defense Is, Too
In 2025, the Steelers’ two best defensive performances came against the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings. In both games, Wilson made impact plays throughout. The Colts game was especially impressive given how hot their offense had been. Wilson played an integral role in cooling them down and also made a massive impact against the Vikings.
Against Minnesota, Wilson recorded 13 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a quarterback hit in Pittsburgh’s 24-21 victory. His most impressive play, however, showcased the elite speed that made him such an intriguing draft prospect.
His performance against the Colts, though, was one to behold. Wilson recorded 14 tackles, two passes defended, and an interception in the Steelers’ 27-20 victory. He disrupted Indianapolis throughout the game, and his impact helped the defense force multiple turnovers while upsetting the 7-1 Colts.
If Wilson can consistently put together performances like these, he can elevate Pittsburgh’s defense to another level, starting Sunday against the Falcons.
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This story was originally published September 11, 2026 at 5:00 AM.