Falcons Trail Steelers After Abysmal First Half

Through the first half in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Pittsburgh Steelers have dominated the Atlanta Falcons as they take a 24-0 lead into the half. This may not surprise many, considering the Steelers' played their starters for the first two drives while the Falcons' starters watched from the sideline.

The Falcons head into the locker room looking to regroup after picking up just 55 total yards through the first 30 minutes of play, as the Steelers defense has kept the Atlanta punt team busy, with all four drives ending in punts.

After getting the ball first, quarterback Kenny Pickett and the Steelers offense got off to a hot start thanks to a pair of explosive passing plays. Starting on the first third-down of the game, Pickett found Diontae Johnson for a 33-yard gain before finding George Pickens on a 35-yard completion just four plays later, as he set up Najee Harris for a one-yard touchdown run.

Not only was the Falcons' defense struggling, but even the Falcons' offense couldn't get any momentum going as the Steelers' defense forced a quick three-and-out. And despite the short rest on the sideline as the Pittsburgh defense got the offense the ball back quickly, a 21-yard punt return from Calvin Austin set the Steelers' starters up for success on their final drive.  

After two straight plays by Harris yielded 21 yards for the Steelers, backup running back Jaylen Warren punched the ball into the endzone on an eight-yard run.

Yet, when it looked like the game would get out of hand, as the Falcons failed to pick up a single first down before punting, a third-down sack by Atlanta's Demone Harris held the Steelers to just a field goal. 

Even after a switch at quarterback with Logan Woodside coming off the bench in place of Taylor Heinicke, the Falcons' struggle to sustain drives continued as they marched 15 yards in six plays and 12 yards in four plays before punting for a third and fourth time. 

After four straight scoring drives for the Steelers, the Falcons defense did manage to find their first stop of the game right before halftime, something they'll hope to replicate in the final two quarters of play.

The Falcons will receive the ball to start the second half

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