Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up earlier than a preseason sport towards the Detroit Lions on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at Ford Subject in Detroit. FLOWLEY BRANCH, Ga. — When the Atlanta Falcons host the Pittsburgh Steelers within the common season opener on Sunday, a veteran quarterback wanting to make a press release along with his new crew takes middle stage.
For Atlanta, all eyes shall be on the revamped offense led by 36-year-old quarterback Kirk Cousins, who signed a four-year, value $180 million contract to depart Minnesota.
The four-time Professional Bowler threw for two,331 yards and 18 touchdowns in eight video games with the Vikings in 2023 earlier than tearing his Achilles tendon. Cousins replaces Desmond Reed in Atlanta.
The offseason additions have made the Falcons the speak of the NFC South as they compete for his or her first profitable season since 2017 and a playoff berth.
“I am very conscious of the notion proper now that our offense goes to be excellent,” Cousins stated. “We’ve all these nice gamers, however that is simply notion. Our job is to make it occur. I haven’t got any ensures about that till we go on the market and do this.”
Sunday marked the start of a brand new period on Atlanta’s sidelines. Raheem Morris was named Falcons head coach in January. Morris beforehand served as Atlanta’s interim coach, posting a 4-7 document over the ultimate 11 video games in 2020 and main the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 17-31 document from 2009-11.
Morris, 48, was employed after three seasons because the Rams’ defensive coordinator. What occurs.
“My nervousness normally would not come till proper earlier than the nationwide anthem,” Morris stated. “I do not know if it is the emotion of the nationwide anthem or what, however a grey hits you and also you’re able to play. In making ready for all this, you construct a lot confidence in your course of that you just really feel Very calm about the way you need to conduct your corporation.
Morris will face Mike Tomlin, a former colleague of the Steelers head coach. The 2 have been defensive assistants collectively in Tampa from 2002-05 and stay associates to this present day.
Tomlin and the Steelers will roll out a brand new offense led by former Falcons coach Arthur Smith and a brand new quarterback.
Russell Wilson, who was waived by the Denver Broncos, was named the starter final week instead of Justin Fields, who was acquired from the Bears.
Wilson, a nine-time Professional Bowl choice and Tremendous Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks, earned a beginning job within the offseason and seems poised to guide Pittsburgh in a aggressive AFC North race.
“I am very glad to be right here,” Wilson stated. “Clearly, I am right here to assist us win. That is the main target. I believe the most effective half is our effort from OTAs to Latrobe (coaching camp). We’ll have an incredible season.”
After a storied Seahawks profession, Wilson spent two turbulent seasons in Denver, sitting on the bench for the ultimate two weeks of 2023 as a means for the Broncos to “protect monetary flexibility.” . Wilson then signed a one-year veteran’s minimal contract with Pittsburgh.
The all-time sequence between the Falcons and Steelers has been largely one-sided, with Pittsburgh main 15-2-1. Atlanta’s final win was on October 22, 2006.
On Wednesday’s harm report, Morris famous that linebacker Nate Randleman (quadriceps) and tight finish Kyle Pitts (hamstring) have been each restricted Wednesday. Morris stated he isn’t anxious about Pitts’ standing in Week 1.
Steelers beginning left guard Isaac Seumalo missed apply on Aug. 28 with a chest harm. Nevertheless, middle Nate Herbig will miss the season with a torn rotator cuff.
—Jack Batten, Subject Degree Media
