Today, I’m a worried Falcons fan. I’m hurt, confused, and frustrated after watching how we played against the Steelers. The first game of the season usually sets the tone, but after today, I can’t find a single reason to be happy. If you know me, you know I’m the guy who always gives the benefit of the doubt. But listen, today we had every chance to win….yet we found a way to hand the game over, like we do every year. We were the better team, but somehow, we managed to lose, 18-10.
This was supposed to be a fresh start for us. A new coaching staff led by Raheem Morris, new key players like Kirk Cousins, and a sense of optimism for the season ahead. But instead, it felt all too familiar.
The worst part? Losing to a Steelers team that didn’t even have their starting quarterback, Russell Wilson. We lost to a backup QB, Justin Fields, and let our former head coach, Arthur Smith, now the Steelers’ offensive coordinator, walk out of Atlanta with a win!
Kirk Cousins’ Rough Debut
I had high hopes for Kirk Cousins, especially after we signed him to a four-year, $180 million deal. But let’s be honest, his performance was disappointing. Cousins completed just 16-of-26 passes for 155 yards, threw one touchdown, and gave up two costly interceptions. The second one, with less than three minutes left, felt like the final nail in the coffin….well it WAS
Sure, Cousins was up against a brutal pass rush from TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, but after an offseason of hype, this is not how we expected his Falcons debut to go. His two interceptions killed any momentum we had, and Watt’s sack at the end sealed our fate.
Defense Holds, But Offense Fizzles
Our defense did their job, A.J. Terrell Jr. had his hands full with George Pickens, who made some big plays, but the defense kept us in the game. We just couldn’t capitalize offensively. Which is shocking to me
Bijan Robinson led the team with 68 rushing yards on 18 carries, but that’s just not good enough. We need our running game to step up and give Cousins some support. The Falcons backfield is way too talented to be held to under 100 yards.
Looking Ahead
I know it’s only Week 1, but I’m worried. This game was winnable, and yet we managed to let it slip away. We had the better team on the field today, but like every year, we found a way to lose. I hope to look back in a few weeks and say, “I overreacted.” But right now, I’m just frustrated as hell.
