Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons argue after unfair play

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers entered Week 1 expecting a close game against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons are a much improved team after an offseason with new additions like Kirk Cousins ​​at quarterback and Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons on defense. With these reinforcements, the Falcons hope to reclaim the NFC South. The Steelers, meanwhile, hope their summer roster haul is enough to earn a playoff win.

What the Steelers and Falcons probably didn't expect during their game was that the game would get heated in the first quarter. The teams began the game with a defensive stalemate, with neither scoring a touchdown in the opening quarter. They traded hard hits, quarterback pressures and turnovers without reaching the end zone. The physicality led to some heated tempers during a Steelers attack.

On a routine handoff, Steelers QB Justin Fields gave the ball to running back Najee Harris. During the tackle, Falcons safety Jessie Bates III grabbed Harris' facemask, which fell off his head upon impact. Harris was visibly upset and got in Bates' face, resulting in a brief scrum. Steelers tight end Darrell Washington and tackle Broderick Jones were the first to back up their running back as both sides ran in.

The Steelers are already operating under strange circumstances. Starting quarterback Russell Wilson, who was set to make his debut with the team, was declared inactive before the game. Wilson is battling a calf injury that has limited him throughout training camp and the preseason. Now that injury will carry over into the regular season as the team heads into the 2024 season. The move paved the way for Fields to be the starter and changed the plan for the offense.

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