Falcons and Steelers Face Offensive Struggles in Recent Matchup

The Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers both had difficulties on offense in their recent game on Sunday. The Falcons managed only a 2-for-12 success rate on third downs. They incurred a loss of 121 yards from penalties and sacks. They also turned the ball over twice, with one turnover resulting in a T.J. Watt interception return for a touchdown, which shifted the game’s momentum toward the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.

Pittsburgh’s performance was not much better. They ended 3-for-13 on third downs, with penalties and sacks costing them 67 yards. The team also failed to convert on two fourth-down attempts and lost a fumble.

To understand the severity of these performances, consider that Shawn Syed of Sumer Sports ranked this game as 1,069th out of 1,097 games analyzed for Total Expected Points Added (EPA), placing it in the third percentile.

The Falcons’ struggles were somewhat expected, with Cooper Rush starting as quarterback due to injuries to Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. Despite having talents like Bijan Robinson at running back, Drake London at wide receiver, and Kyle Pitts at tight end, the team still failed to achieve even an average performance.

On the other hand, the Steelers’ lackluster showing was surprising. Despite DK Metcalf managing only four receptions on more than ten targets, Rico Dowdle averaged less than two yards per carry, and Aaron Rodgers completed just 24 of 40 pass attempts.

Going forward, fan anticipation for both teams might be challenged. The Steelers are set to play the defending conference champion New England Patriots away from home, a daunting task. Meanwhile, the Falcons will face off against their division rivals, the Carolina Panthers, who conceded 59 points in a recent home game against the Chicago Bears.