ATLANTA — The Steelers fans took over.
The Steelers contingent that filled Mercedes-Benz Stadium Sunday afternoon came to see to Pittsburgh’s second win in as many tries, and ended up making an impact on the outcome, as the Terrible Towel-twirling Pittsburgh partisans made more noise than the homestanding Atlanta fans in the Steelers’ 19-16 win.
“We have the best fans in the world…It feels like we’re at home at every stadium.”
Kenny Pickett was grateful for the huge turnout of @Steelers fans in Atlanta after Pittsburgh’s second straight win. pic.twitter.com/vVCByguYWM
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 4, 2022
“We have the best fans in the world,” rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett told CBS after the game. “They travel to every stadium and it feels like we’re at home at every stadium. They do an unbelievable job. We have so much appreciation and we’re grateful for the great fans that we have. We give it our all every Sunday for them.”
It was yet another example of the fanbase’s unwavering loyalty. The yellow wave of Terrible Towels twirled, drowning out the black and red. Key plays such as rookie tight end/fullback Connor Heyward’s first career touchdown and Minkah Fitzpatrick’s game-sealing interception were followed by raucous cheers that gave the feel of a home environment.
— Scott Harb (@scottharb) December 4, 2022
“It was crazy,” tight end Pat Freiermuth said. “If there were no Steelers fans in there, there would be no one in the stadium. It was a cool atmosphere. Steelers nation always comes out.”
Steelers fans won’t have to go far next Sunday after road wins in Indianapolis and Atlanta. Pittsburgh plays against division rival Baltimore at Acrisure Stadium. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was injured and left early in his team’s win over Denver. Nonetheless, whoever plays quarterback for the visitors will have to deal with a passionate crowd.
“Obivously, I’m very comfortable at home, but being on the road here, it feels great to get two road wins,” Pickett said. “We’re headed back home to play in front of our great fanbase … Every city we go to, they come out strong, so definitely a huge shoutout to Steelers nation.”
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Atlanta.