What happened in Falcons’ Week 1 home loss to Steelers

After all the drama and speculation surrounding Russell Wilson’s game status, the Steelers’ starting quarterback was ultimately ruled inactive Sunday. That left Justin Fields to start in his place.

Meanwhile, Kirk Cousins took the field for the first time in a Falcons uniform. Because Atlanta chose to receive, Cousins and Co. wasted no time in showing off what they’ve been working on in the preseason.

The Falcons’ debut offensive drive began at their own 30-yard line and ended at the Steelers’ 6-yard line, where Atlanta kicker Younghoe Koo made a 24-yard field goal to put the first points on the board. Cousins completed 3 of his 5 passes for 30 yards in that time, while running backs Bijan Robinson (five) and Tyler Allgeier had six combined carries for 34 yards. The drive was good for 12 plays and 64 yards overall.

Cousins did have a scare during that series, though, when his first pass attempt of the season, intended for wide receiver Darnell Mooney, was nearly picked off by Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson. The interception was dropped, saving Cousins from the error.

All in all, the Falcons’ opening drive showed the offense is capable of moving the ball. Sure, there were clean-up areas, but that’s to be expected in Week 1, especially on the first drive.

Anyway, then the Steelers then took their turn — and responded. After 10 plays of their own for 31 yards, Pittsburgh tied up the score with a 57-yard field goal by kicker Chris Boswell.

Things got even more interesting after that. Really, three things.

First, Cousins was actually intercepted during the Falcons’ second series on his seventh pass attempt of the game. Steelers safety DeShon Elliott grabbed a short, up-the-middle pass meant for wide receiver Drake London. There were two Steelers defenders in the area.

Second, there was a moment where seemingly the teams, fans and reporters thought the Steelers faced a fourth-and-1, because that’s what the scoreboard showed. However, it was actually a first-and-10. So, when Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes and defensive tackle Kentavius Street stopped Steelers running back Jaylen Warren a yard behind the line of scrimmage, Atlanta rejoiced. The celebration ended when officials signaled that it was indeed second down.

Third, on the very next play after the confusion, a scuffle broke out following a run by Steelers running back Najee Harris. He was brought down by Falcons…