We are a little over a week away from Falcons football, and what better way to kick off the Raheem Morris era than against his predecessor? Atlanta will host Arthur Smith and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1.
Much of the offseason questions revolved around the quarterback position for both of these clubs. Ironically, both acquired two. The Falcons paid a premium for Kirk Cousins, giving the veteran $180 million in free agency then drafting Michael Penix Jr. with a top 10 pick.
The Steelers dipped into the trade and free agent market for their signal callers. Russell Wilson was released by the Broncos and subsequently signed with Pittsburgh, and Justin Fields was traded from the Bears.
While the Falcons never had a quarterback competition as Cousins was always expected to be the starter, that wasn’t the case for the Steelers. Wilson and Fields competed for the starting gig, but Tomlin named a starter today — the veteran.
Coach Tomlin has named Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback. pic.twitter.com/REWKkybpNo
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 28, 2024
The nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion finished last season with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. If you’re the Falcons, you’ve got to be licking your chops.
Wilson isn’t what he once was, and this very well may be his last shot at starting in the NFL. His offensive line is hobbled too, and Smith may be missing his most explosive running back in Jaylen Warren.
There’s absolutely no reason the Falcons shouldn’t win this football game and start this new era on the right foot. With Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons in the fold, Atlanta’s defense is capable of keeping their former head coach’s new offense quiet.
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Photographer: Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire
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