T.J. Watt’s 35-yard pick-six lifts Steelers past Falcons 20–13

T.J. Watt intercepted Cooper Rush, got back to his feet and ran 35 yards to the end zone. In a game Pittsburgh’s offense could not put away, its most disruptive defender supplied the touchdown that finally created breathing room.

The Steelers beat Atlanta 20–13 Sunday, giving Mike McCarthy a victory in his first regular-season game as Pittsburgh’s head coach. Watt’s fourth-quarter score turned a three-point advantage into a 10-point lead, enough to withstand one more Falcons field goal.

Pittsburgh’s official clip captures Watt returning the interception for a touchdown.

Watt changes the game in one snap

Atlanta had leaned heavily on Bijan Robinson, and Pittsburgh still had not broken clear when Watt recognized a pass intended for the running back. He intercepted it, fell to the turf and then continued toward the end zone with teammates alongside him.

That was the difference between making another defensive stop and changing the scoreboard. Behind the Steel Curtain’s game analysis identified the play as Watt’s first career interception return for a touchdown. He also finished with two sacks, giving Rush a problem both before and after the ball left his hand.

Pittsburgh’s other interception mattered almost as much. Jaquan Brisker’s takeaway set up the offense’s only touchdown: Aaron Rodgers extending a play and finding Pat Freiermuth from six yards out. That score put the Steelers ahead 13–7 before halftime.

The official post below isolates Watt’s decisive return, the play that turned a tight fourth quarter in Pittsburgh’s favor.

Robinson keeps Atlanta in it

Bijan Robinson was Atlanta’s most reliable answer. He ran for 83 yards and caught eight passes for another 90, including a 23-yard touchdown from Rush. His 173 yards from scrimmage accounted for much of the Falcons’ threat, and his work helped keep the game close despite Pittsburgh’s pressure.

Rush finished with 143 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Pittsburgh sacked him four times. Atlanta converted only two of 12 third downs, repeatedly putting the defense back on the field instead of building sustained pressure on the Steelers.

Pittsburgh was not much cleaner on offense. Rodgers threw for 221 yards and a touchdown without an interception, but the running game produced only 58 yards. The Steelers had to rely on Chris Boswell’s first-half field goals and the defense’s ability to create opportunities.

Final: Steelers 20, Falcons 13.

The opening win offered McCarthy something concrete to build on without disguising the work ahead. Pittsburgh’s offense supplied one touchdown. Watt made sure that was enough.