Sometimes, it’s not about who you play but when you play them in the NFL. And the Falcons may be getting the Steelers at the right time.
On Tuesday afternoon, Mike Tomlin ruled starting guard Isaac Seumalo out for the Week 1 contest in Atlanta. Russell Wilson will be behind a hobbled starting offensive line, missing a mauler of a guard, and potentially without their most explosive running back.
Tomlin said during his Tuesday press conference that Jaylen Warren practiced in a limited capacity, but that the Steelers are optimistic about him being available. Receiver Roman Wilson and offensive tackle Troy Fautanu could also be included in that status, Tomlin noted.
While the Falcons lost Bralen Trice for the season and DeMarrco Hellams for a significant amount of time, the club is very healthy going into their season opener against their old head coach in Arthur Smith.
The new Steelers offensive coordinator will be shorthanded in his return to Atlanta. With Russell Wilson commanding the offense behind a battered line, the Falcons obviously hold a leg up.
For instance, the strength of Atlanta’s unit should be defending against the run. The Falcons feature two menacing interior defenders in David Onyemata and Grady Jarrett to go along with Matthew Judon on the edge and a slew of rotational pieces behind them in Zach Harrison, Ruke Orhorhoro, Kentavius Street, James Smith-Williams, Arnold Ebiketie, and Lorenzo Carter.
The second level with Kaden Elliss, Troy Andersen, and Nate Landman gives Atlanta a great front seven when defending talking about defending the strength of the Steelers offense, at least that’s the expectation. Arthur Smith was hired because of his run-game pedigree, and with a short-handed offensive line, the Falcons obviously have an advantage.
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Photographer: Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire
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