The Pittsburgh Steelers escaped with a 20-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons to begin the Mike McCarthy era. After many of the Steelers’ starters sat out in the preseason, Pittsburgh looked noticeably rusty early in the contest, before settling in doing enough to get to 1-0.
Let’s take a look at this week’s stock report after the season opener.
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Stock Up
EDGE TJ Watt
After recording his lowest sack total since his rookie season in the 2025 season, the Steelers’ highest-paid player is off to a scorching start in 2026. Watt recorded three tackles for a loss, two sacks, and an interception that was returned for a touchdown. Watt jumped up and perfectly timed a Cooper Rush pass for the interception. Watt stumbled to the ground and still had enough time to gather himself and return it to the end zone.
This is not the first time we have seen Watt do something like this, but it remains one of the single most impressive plays that a defender can make. The edge rusher looked noticeably more explosive compared to the end of last season after suffering a collapsed lung. It seems like Watt has found new life in the Patrick Graham defense where he isn’t asked to play every defensive snap in a rotation with Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig.
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TE Pat Freiermuth
Freiermuth was back to being the leader in the tight end room after 2025 saw a big step back in terms of his usage. The sixth-year tight end outsnapped newly extended Darnell Washington, while posting five catches for 46 yards and a touchdown. After showing more willingness to take shots up the seam throughout training camp and preseason, we saw those reps pay off in Week 1. After recording the second lowest receiving total of his career in 2025, Freiermuth seems to have new life in the Mike McCarthy offense.
It defies all logic that Heyward is as good as he is at 37-years old. The veteran defensive tackle looks to be as good as ever after his dominant Week 1 showing. Heyward swatted three passed down at the line in the contest. The defensive stalwart is looking like he is set for another phenomenal season in the new-look defense.
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Stock Down
WR DK Metcalf
This was a terrible showing from Metcalf. The Steelers receiver was called for a pair of offensive pass interferences in this contest. Matcalf was targeted 10 times in the game, but finished with just four catches for 40 yards. The most deflating part of this performance, though, were the crucial drops. Rodgers and Metcalf seemed to be just a tick off timing wise form each other all game, resulting in a few downfield passes bouncing off the hands of Metcalf. In the third quarter, Rodgers hit Metcalf over the middle right in the hands and the receiver was not able to bring it in. The play resulted in a resounding boo from the crowd. If the Steelers offense is going to take a step up in 2026, Metcalf is going to need to step up.
RB Rico Dowdle
Many expected it to be a pretty even split between Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle entering the season. It was not a huge difference in terms of touches between the two, but Warren did get five more touches than Dowdle in Week 1. This is most likely because of Dowdle’s efficiency issues in the contest. The running back averaged just 1.5 yards per carry compared to his counterparts 4.6 yards per carry. Warren was the more explosive and efficient back. If Dowdle’s struggles continue, we could see more Warren going forward.
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