State of the Steelers: Pittsburgh’s Path to 1-0 vs. Atlanta

The wait is over — Steelers football is back! On this episode of State of the Steelers, part of the Steel Curtain Network, Daniel breaks down Pittsburgh’s Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons and what Mike McCarthy and the Steelers need to do to start the 2026 season 1-0. Tua Tagovailoa has been ruled OUT, meaning Cooper Rush gets the start against Pittsburgh. But there’s an interesting connection: Rush spent years playing quarterback under Mike McCarthy in Dallas. Could that familiarity give Atlanta an advantage, or does McCarthy’s knowledge of Rush give the Steelers defense the upper hand? We also break down the biggest storylines heading into Week 1: 🏈 Joey Porter Jr.’s injury and contract situation 🏈 Could Asante Samuel Jr. get the start? 🏈 How Pittsburgh can contain Bijan Robinson 🏈 The challenge of Drake London and Kyle Pitts 🏈 Why Aaron Rodgers doesn’t need to be Superman 🏈 Why the Steelers need to RUN THE DAMN BALL 🏈 Pittsburgh’s biggest offensive and defensive keys 🏈 Cooper Rush vs. the Steelers defense 🏈 A look around the entire AFC North 🏈 Could Pittsburgh be the only 1-0 team in the division after Week 1? And, of course, Daniel gives his official prediction: 🔥 STEELERS 27 — FALCONS 13 It’s time to GROUND THE FALCONS. DON’T LET ’EM FLY. Subscribe and follow the Steel Curtain Network for Steelers news, analysis, reactions, film breakdowns, podcasts and coverage throughout the 2026 season. HERE WE GO, STEELERS! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices