Pittsburgh hit Atlanta with a heavy dose of James Conner on their first drive, and to say he was effective is an understatement. Not only he have a run for 30 yards, but caught a ball for large gain as well. Ultimately, the Steelers would reward the man and give him a shot to pound the ball in for a touchdown. Pittsburgh score on their first drive and get off to an early start, leading the Falcons 6 to 0 after a missed extra point by Chris Boswell.
Going ???? pic.twitter.com/y3H0nu6uEK
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 7, 2018
The Falcons offense looked to be rolling as through Pittsburgh's defense, but an illegal formation penalty would turn out to be costly for Atlanta. L.J. Fort made a big play, filling in for Vince Williams, and coming up with a huge sack to force an Atlanta punt.
James Conner continued to put this offense on his back early on in this game, picking up first downs and keeping the chains moving for Pittsburgh. Another penalty for Atlanta would prove very costly once more, this time on 3rd and 10, they got called for pass interference deep downfield. Ben Roethlisberger found JuJu Smith-Schuster for an 18-yard touchdown to put Pittsburgh's lead, 13 to 0.
Atlanta's second offensive was much more successful, Matt Ryan looked locked in this game so far, and found Mohamed Sanu for a huge touchdown of 44 yards. Steelers still lead 13 to 7.
Atlanta looked to be on pace for another score, but back to back sacks from T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward put an end to any hopes of a touchdown for the Falcons. Matt Bryant came in and knocked a 47-yard touchdown to cut Pittsburgh's lead to 3, now 13 to 10.
Steelers found themselves deep in the red-zone right before the end of the first half, but Big Ben threw up an extremely unnecessary pass in hopes of putting some point on the board. The pass was easily intercepted and the half ended, the Steelers still lead 13 to 10.
On Pittsburgh's first offensive drive of the second half, they came out swinging, letting James Conner make the most of every opportunity thrown his way. Conner had yet another huge gain, this time a 28-yard reception from Big Ben.
Just
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 7, 2018
Can't
Bring
Him
Down pic.twitter.com/VEiqs1Mtyd
Then to cap off the drive, Big Ben and Antonio Brown found a strong "WiFi" connection, as Big Ben found AB for a 9-yard touchdown. We have a 20 to 10 lead over Atlanta, Steeler Nation.
Antonio Brown has tied John Stallworth for the 2nd-most touchdown catches in #SteelersHistory. pic.twitter.com/SgWaidA6k1
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 7, 2018
Pittsburgh built upon their offensive success with some tremendous playmaking on special teams. Roosevelt Nix made his presence known with a huge block on Falcons punter, Matt Bosher to give the Steelers great field position.
Get you a guy who can do it all. pic.twitter.com/Ues60WZfz9
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 7, 2018
Pittsburgh was fortunate enough to reap the benefits of Nix's blocking on offense, as James Conner ran for his second touchdown of the game. Steelers lead 27 to 10.
The Atlanta Falcons woke up a bit on offense, as well as the Matt Ryan to Julio Jones connection as Julio finally got his first catch of the game. Some good decision-making by Matty Ice, lead to a Ito Smith touchdown to cut Pittsburgh's lead, 27 to 17.
The Steelers hit the Falcons with James Conner early on their next drive, but it didn't take long for Big Ben to find AB once more for a touchdown, this time for 47 yards. The connection appears to be clearing up, and AB beat two defenders downfield for this impressive touchdown grab. Pittsburgh gets their lead back to 17 once more, 34 to 17.
There are no words. pic.twitter.com/g4MH2R43qW
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 7, 2018
Atlanta's woes continued this afternoon, T.J. Watt forced a big time fumble on Matt Ryan and L.J. Fort recovered the ball in the end-zone for a defensive score. Steelers now off to a very sizable lead, 41 to 17.
This was the play to end the game as Atlanta more or less rolled over after immediately after this play. Steelers improve their record to 2-2-1.
Steelers are on the road next week against their biggest rivals, the 4 and 1 Cincinnati Bengals.
Stat Leaders for Pittsburgh
Passing Leader - Ben Roethlisberger 19-29 250 Yards 3 Touchdowns 1 Int
Rushing Leader - James Conner 21 Carries for 110 Yards 2 Touchdowns
Receiving Leader - Antonio Brown 6 Receptions 101 Yards 2 Touchdowns
Defensive Leader - T.J. Watt 8 Tackles 3 Sacks
