The Atlanta Falcons did not look competitive on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not every scoreboard is an accurate reflection of how the game transpired, but this 24-0 final definitely felt like a representation of what we just witnessed.
And it started early on, with a third-and-five explosive-play conversion from QB Kenny Pickett to WR Diontae Johnson getting things started. Another explosive pass play to WR George Pickens later on the drive sealed the deal. Then a good punt return for WR Calvin Austin III on the next drive set up another touchdown.
It may not have felt fair with the Steelers playing their starters against the Falcons’ second- and third-stringers, but head coach Arthur Smith wasn’t interested in sympathy.