PITTSBURGH, PA — All eyes were on Tua Tagovailoa as he made his debut as the Falcons’ starting quarterback, but Bijan Robinson Jr. stole the spotlight. Robinson rushed for 167 yards and two touchdowns to power Atlanta to a 22-7 season-opening victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.

Robinson carried the offense, while Atlanta’s defense made sure Pittsburgh never found its rhythm.

Both teams looked rusty during a scoreless first quarter, but the Falcons eventually turned to Robinson to move the chains as Tagovailoa settled into the offense.

Robinson broke the deadlock with a 2-yard touchdown run with 5:24 remaining in the second quarter, although a missed extra point kept the lead at 6-0. With 49 seconds left before halftime, Robinson struck again, capping a six-play, 57-yard drive with a 6-yard touchdown run to send Atlanta into the break ahead 13-0.

The defenses controlled a scoreless third quarter before Aaron Rodgers finally got Pittsburgh on the board late in the fourth, connecting with DK Metcalf on a 6-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 13-7.

Atlanta quickly answered. The Falcons drove 47 yards on their ensuing possession to set up a short Nick Folk field goal, extending the lead to 16-7.

Pittsburgh’s final chance disappeared when Rodgers was sacked and fumbled near his own goal line. Atlanta recovered the ball for a defensive touchdown, putting the finishing touches on the 22-7 victory.

Tagovailoa had an uneven debut, completing 14 of 24 passes for 187 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. But despite the modest numbers, he walked away with his first victory as a Falcon.

Rodgers finished 15 of 24 for 139 yards and one touchdown.

As it stands…
Atlanta opens the season 1-0 behind a dominant performance from Robinson and a defense that allowed just seven points.