3 takeaways as Mike McCarthy transforms Steelers offense in win vs Falcons

PITTSBURGH – The Steelers picked up a 20-13 win against the Atlanta Falcons in their season opener on Sunday, Sept. 13, at Acrisure Stadium.

It was the first win for coach Mike McCarthy, who was hired to replace Mike Tomlin in January after 19 seasons.

T.J. Watt made the decisive play with a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, then quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the offense did just enough to finish the game.

Rodgers threw a touchdown to teammate Pat Freiermuth in the first half, and field goals from kicker Chris Boswell provided the rest of the scoring Pittsburgh needed.

Here are some takeaways from the matchup ahead of a Week 2 matchup against the Patriots next week in New England.

The new coach wasted no time in transforming the offense that was predominantly run-focused in the later years of Tomlin’s tenure.

Rodgers registered 40 attempts on the afternoon, completing 24 of them for 221 yards and one touchdown. His season high was 41 attempts last season under Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. The Steelers ran the ball just 21 times.

McCarthy said afterward that he'd prefer not to be that lopsided in his…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/