T.J. Watt Sparks Steelers’ Defensive Triumph

Watt joined a historic club to begin the 2026 season. The Pittsburgh Steelers OLB recorded his 10th career interception Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, joining legend Julius Peppers as the only two players in NFL history to notch 100 sacks and 10 interceptions in a career.

Will the Steelers Become a Zone-Heavy Team?

The Steelers signed veteran Jamel Dean, a man-coverage specialist, to play alongside Joey Porter Jr. and give the Steelers twin press-man cornerbacks. But Porter didn’t play in the opener, with Asante Samuel Jr. getting the start opposite Dean.  So, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham called nothing but zone all game. 

A large part of this was due to third-string quarterback Rush being the starter, but this is a trend certainly worth monitoring as the season moves forward.

As the offense struggled throughout the game and was sloppy in the third quarter, the defense led the way. That’s to be expected, considering the number of star players on that unit. For one week, at least, the defense played up to expectations, starting the Mike McCarthy era and Graham’s tenure as defensive coordinator on a high note.

When Less Is More

For years, the Steelers have talked about not needing Watt to play such a high percentage of the team’s defensive snaps and their potential ability to use all three edge rushers together as part of a successful defensive plan.

Watt played 38 of 60 defensive snaps on Sunday, coming in at just 66 percent. Watt blowing up an opponent’s offense is not new, but we didn’t see nearly as much of it in 2025. If he can get back to his destructive ways because of a reduced snap count, that’s a huge positive change for the team.

Steelers Miss Out on Explosive Plays

When Steelers’ wide receiver Roman Wilson got behind cornerback A.J. Terrell for a potential long touchdown pass, Terrell tackled him for a long defensive pass interference call instead. The Steelers settled for a field goal.

Another deep ball headed to Wilson in the end zone was incomplete after he coughed it up as he bounced off the turf. DK Metcalf had his hands on one in the end zone, but couldn’t complete that catch amid strong coverage. Another ball, Metcalf simply dropped on a post route when he had gotten between and behind both safeties.

Speaking of Metcalf, he was extremely inefficient. He was targeted 10 times, but caught just four for 40 yards. Michael Pittman Jr. was the team’s leading receiver with three catches for 58 yards. Pat Freiermuth had five catches for 46 yards.

The Steelers will take their 1-0 record on the road in Week 2, when they will visit the reigning AFC champions, the New England Patriots. That game will have a 1 p.m. EST kickoff from Foxborough, MA.