Steelers Face Depleted Falcons Pass Rush: Week 1 Mismatch?

As the 2026 NFL season kicks off, the Pittsburgh Steelers are set to face an Atlanta Falcons team that looks drastically different on the edge than originally anticipated. The Falcons, who invested two first-round picks in 2025 to bolster their pass rush, will be without both for the season opener on September 13. This turn of events, reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, significantly shifts the dynamics of the Week 1 matchup.

Falcons' Pass Rush Decimated

The Falcons' high hopes for Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. have been dashed. Walker, who showed promise with 5.5 sacks as a rookie, tore his ACL in training camp and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. Pearce, who exploded for 10.5 sacks in 2025, is suspended for the first eight games of 2026 following domestic violence-related charges. Their absences leave a glaring hole in Atlanta's defensive front.

In response, the Falcons coaxed veteran Za'Darius Smith out of retirement. Smith, now 34, brings experience but only contributed 1.5 sacks with the Eagles last season after a nine-sack campaign in 2024. While ESPN projects him as a starter, he currently sits behind Cameron Thomas and Brandon Dorlus on the depth chart. Thomas managed just 2.5 sacks in 2025, while Dorlus, primarily an interior rusher, is being asked to handle more edge responsibilities.

Opportunity for Steelers' Offensive Line

This depleted pass rush presents a golden opportunity for the Steelers' offensive tackles, who have their own question marks. Troy Fautanu will be making his first regular-season start at left tackle, while either Dylan Cook or rookie Max Iheanachor is expected to man the right side. The Falcons' lack of proven edge rushers could give these young tackles a chance to build confidence early.

However, the interior of the Falcons' defensive line remains formidable. Dorlus, along with veterans D'Shawn Hand and newly-acquired Gervon Dexter Sr., who notched six sacks from the interior for the Chicago Bears in 2025, will test the Steelers' guards and center. As highlighted on Vulius, the battle in the trenches will be pivotal, but the Steelers' offensive line may have caught a break on the edges.

While Atlanta still has pieces like Samson Ebukam and potential practice squad elevations Zach Harrison and Bralen Trice, the lack of a proven edge threat is concerning. The Steelers, under the guidance of their coaching staff, will look to exploit this weakness. With the season opener approaching, Pittsburgh fans have reason for cautious optimism, but as always, the game is won on the field, not on paper.