The Pittsburgh Steelers had a lot of big plays to help them escape the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. One of the biggest plays of the game came from Donte Jackson, when he intercepted Kirk Cousins, which led the Steelers settling for a 25-yard field goal to take an eight-point lead. While TJ Watt was able to pressure Cousins to cause the errant throw, Jackson praised the adjustments by the coaching staff that helped the secondary to be in the right position to capitalize.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Cam Sutton high fives Donte Jackson before a preseason game against the Lions.
Jackson, talking with the media after the game, raved about how the coaching staff was able to adjust after giving up the lone touchdown of the game. The Falcons were able to hit Kyle Pitts wide open in the end zone, giving them a 10-6 lead with just 32 seconds left in the first half. The Steelers were able to learn from their mistake and force a rushed pass that landed right into Jackson's arms.
"Just in-game adjustments. They had ran that play to score where they was seeing three high and was just trying to hide a guy and send him up the sideline. That's how Pitts got open on the touchdown. So, in-game adjustments on the sideline, we knew they'd come back to it. I just had to widen my vision and play when the ball was there."
Jackson had an impressive regular season debut for the Steelers, breaking up two passes, adding two tackles, and securing a game-clinching interception (returning it 49 yards) that led to the Steelers kicking a late field goal to put them up by eight. Jackson, who was apart of the Diontae Johnson trade, proved that he could be a suitable partner with Joey Porter Jr. in the secondary.
While Jackson was the one to make the big play late in the fourth quarter, he made sure to give Watt his credit on the play. Watt was all over Cousins and the Falcons' offense from the first whistle. Many of Watt's big plays were taken away due to penalties, but he was able to force Cousins to throw an errant ball right to Jackson. On the next drive, Watt sealed the game with a sack, taking a bow as the clock hit zero.
"Game wrecker man, it's just a blessing to get out there and share the field with these type of players."
Watt is already beginning his campaign to be the league's Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 after being snubbed in 2023.
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Edge Rusher TJ Watt holds the ball out towards the crowd after making a play against the Miami Dolphins
The Steelers were back to their usual ways of relying on the defense to lead them to a victory. The Steelers were able to keep Cousins and the offense to just 10 points in their Week 1 matchup. They were able to set up the offense with good field position; unfortunately, it never led to a touchdown throughout the game.
While Jackson had an impressive game, another newcomer in the secondary was able to leave his mark. Deshon Elliott finished the game with two pass breakups, four tackles and added an interception of his own.
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DeShon Elliott during the Steelers preseason matchup with the Buffalo Bills.
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Jackson caught his first interception since the 2022 season and will hope to build off a good debut. The Steelers seem to have found their second cornerback. Jackson is 28 years old and only has one year on his contract. If he continues to play at this level, the Steelers will have no choice but to re-sign him. While Pittsburgh will continue to work out the kinks within its offense, it would seem that the defense is already getting into midseason form.
For once, the defense was fresh every time they stepped onto the field with the Steelers' offense only having one three and out. The defense will be looking to carry their impressive performance into Week 2 on the road against the Denver Broncos.
How impressed were you with the Steelers' defense and particularly Jackson's play in Week 1? Let us know in the comments below.
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