Get ready, Falcons fans, because the Atlanta Falcons are kicking off their 2024 season with a storyline-packed matchup! On September 8, the Pittsburgh Steelers will come to Atlanta, bringing along a few familiar faces—including former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, who will now be calling the plays as the Steelers' offensive coordinator. This opening game is loaded with drama and some intriguing twists that could set the tone for the entire season.
Russell Wilson’s Return to Glory?
The Steelers have chosen a surprising direction at quarterback for Week 1. After an open competition throughout training camp, they officially named Russell Wilson as their starting QB on Wednesday afternoon. It wasn’t an easy decision. Over the offseason, Pittsburgh also traded for Justin Fields, sparking buzz and speculation about who would lead the team. However, the 35-year-old Wilson, despite a couple of rough seasons with the Denver Broncos, edged out Fields to get the nod from Smith.
Wilson’s career is nothing short of legendary, even if his recent years haven’t been. Remember, this is the same Russell Wilson who, for a decade, was one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks. Over his first ten seasons, mostly with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson racked up 43,653 passing yards, 334 touchdowns, and 106 interceptions, boasting a passer rating of 100.0. That's some Hall of Fame-caliber work right there. So, the question looms: can he recapture that magic in Pittsburgh and prove he's still got what it takes?
Arthur Smith’s Revenge Game
But the storyline goes deeper than just a quarterback decision. Arthur Smith, once the head coach of the Falcons, is now the mastermind behind Pittsburgh's offense. You can bet he's looking forward to this game, especially since it's against his old team in Atlanta. It’s a chance for Smith to showcase his play-calling skills and prove his doubters wrong. With a chip on his shoulder, Smith will be dialing up plays to remind the Falcons of what they’re missing out on.
Pittsburgh's New Weapon: Cordarrelle Patterson
Pittsburgh isn’t just bringing Smith back to Atlanta; they’ve also picked up another familiar face: running back Cordarrelle Patterson. After three seasons (2021-2023) with the Falcons, where he became a versatile weapon both on the ground and through the air, Patterson signed with the Steelers this offseason. He immediately made his presence felt, rushing for a 31-yard touchdown in the preseason finale. Patterson’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways will be a key factor to watch as he looks to make a statement against his former team.
Falcons Make Roster Moves: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
Meanwhile, the Falcons have been busy making some tough decisions of their own. On Tuesday, they released their first 53-man roster for the 2024 season, and there were a few surprises. Wide receiver Chris Blair didn't make the cut, while quarterback Taylor Heinicke did, securing his spot on the team. For those interested in seeing how the roster shakes out, you can check out the Falcons’ full 53-man lineup and our practice squad tracker. These roster moves are just the start of what could be an interesting season for Atlanta.
Key Pointers to Watch:
- Russell Wilson's Comeback Tour: After a tough stint with Denver, can Wilson bounce back under Arthur Smith's guidance and lead the Steelers to victory?
- Arthur Smith vs. His Former Team: How will Smith's intimate knowledge of the Falcons' strengths and weaknesses influence his game plan?
- Cordarrelle Patterson’s Impact: As a former Falcon turned Steeler, will Patterson deliver a standout performance against his old squad?
- Falcons’ New-Look Roster: With some unexpected cuts and inclusions, how will the Falcons' roster adjustments play out on the field?
This opening clash is more than just the start of a new season—it's a convergence of narratives, rivalries, and second chances. Whether it’s the return of Wilson, Smith’s revenge, or Patterson’s dual-threat capabilities, this game promises to deliver all the drama and excitement you could hope for. Stay tuned, because when the Falcons and Steelers meet on September 8, it's going to be a showdown you won't want to miss!
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