Derrick’s Dudes & Duds: Steelers vs. Falcons, Opening Day Edition

In true Pittsburgh Steelers fashion, they pulled off an ugly upset win to knock off the new-look Atlanta Falcons in week one. Tomlin’s crew fought through some adversity in this one, having to pivot to their backup quarterback late in the week with Russell Wilson banged up. But this formula is one that the Steelers will rely on throughout the season: with a suffocating defense complimented by an efficient run game. Let’s take a look at some dudes & duds from the season opener.

Dude: SS DeShon Elliott

Elliott was one of the key additions this offseason, although he didn’t generate nearly as much attention as some of the other. But he got the season kicked off in a big way by jumping a crossing route after reading Kirk Cousins eyes working to the backside. Later in the first half, he broke on an underneath pass for another pass deflection. The splash plays are a nice surprise for a player that typically doesn’t generate many of those, with just four career picks through his first six seasons. But he’s always going to be in the right spot and that has value in this defense.

Dud: LG Spencer Anderson

Even if we’re grading on a curve here, Anderson had a rather rough go of it on first watch. Falcons interior defensive lineman Grady Jarrett is a tough test for any lineman making their first career start. Having said that, he was responsible for two of the quarterback hits on Justin Fields and he was also flagged for a false start. Pittsburgh expressed confidence in him to fill in for the injured Isaac Seumalo, so much so that it didn’t seem like they even considered going to the rookie Mason McCormick instead. But it’s obvious that the Steelers will need better play from him moving forward if this offense wants to move the ball at a more consistent clip.

Dude: EDGE T.J. Watt

Look, I could go ahead and paste Watt’s name in here each and every week but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve it. Sure, the box score watchers may not fully grasp his impact on this one but he looked like the best player today at Mercedes-Benz stadium. His first strip sack was wiped away but a razor-close offsides call and then he had another one stripped from him due to an illegal hands to the face penalty away from the play. He slipped a block on outside zone to his side for a tackle for loss. He also ran down a few plays from behind knowing that the Falcons weren’t comfortable with booting Cousins back the opposite direction. After being denied throughout, he put the exclamation point on the win with a game-sealing sack to end it. It was an expected but impressive performance for #90.

Take a bow, TJ Watt. @Steelers win! #PITvsATL pic.twitter.com/zZQKyr2fQX

— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024

Dud: WR Van Jefferson

This is going to come off as super critical but given his role within the offense, it’s important to mention. Jefferson’s struggles as a blocker was concern of mine through the preseason and today did nothing to calm those worries. The lack of physicality at the point of attack is evident and knowing how Arthur Smith typically deploys his wide receiver, this is a skill that he typically values. Although not my primary concern, he was a non-factor in the passing game. The WR situation is going to be a story of the season, for better or worse.

Dude: DE Larry Ogunjobi

As someone who has been pretty critical of his inconsistent play in the past, I have to give some major props to Ogunjobi. The Steelers had two interceptions on the day and Ogunjobi hit Cousins on both of those reps, forcing errant throws. Undoubtedly, Those two plays swung the outcome of this game. The sack totals weren’t eye-popping today but there was consistent pressure on the quarterback and sometimes, that matters just as much, if not more. Pittsburgh’s front seven is destructive as any in the league but if Ogunjobi remains healthy and productive, this already stout unit gets even stronger.

Dud: Screen Game

Pittsburgh has ran a ton of screens throughout camp and that philosophy bleed into the preseason. The problem is that the results have been underwhelming to say the least. Beyond that, the process of a few of the calls made no sense. For instance, the screen to Jefferson on third and two in the red zone has Calvin Austin III as the lead blocker outside. I can’t fathom how that is Smith’s best call in that situation. I understand the intent behind it is to give the quarterback some cheap completions but if you’re backing yourself up behind the chains, that’s hurtful for an offense that isn’t talented enough to survive in third and longs.

Dude: K Chris Boswell

Ideally, the kicker would solely be responsible for knocking in extra points but the Steelers needed much more from Chris Boswell today and he delivered. Not only did he make his three attempts in the first half, it’s also worth noting the degree of difficulty on those ties. He hit from 57, 51 and 44 yards in succession and kept the contest close early on. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, he banged home a 56-yarder later in the game. And as if that wasn’t enough, he was delivered a sweet punt after being forced into action post-Cameron Johnston injury. Boswell finished the day 6-6, showing remarkable consistency as the teams MVP of the game.

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell in a game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 8, 2024. — Alan Saunders / Steelers Now