The Atlanta Falcons and the Pittsburgh Steelers both struggled on offense in their Sunday matchup.

Atlanta only managed to convert 2 out of 12 attempts on third downs. They lost 121 yards due to penalties and sacks, turned the ball over twice, and watched one of these turnovers become a T.J. Watt interception return for a touchdown. This play ultimately shifted the game in Pittsburgh’s favor at Acrisure Stadium.

Pittsburgh did not fare much better. They completed 3 out of 13 third down attempts, lost 67 yards to penalties and sacks, failed two fourth-down conversions, and had one lost fumble.

For those questioning how poor these statistics are, Shawn Syed from Sumer Sports notes that this game ranks 1,069 out of 1,097 games analyzed in total Expected Points Added (EPA), placing it in the third percentile.

Atlanta’s performance was not a shock due to their starting quarterback, Cooper Rush. Injuries sidelined Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. Nonetheless, the presence of talented players like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts should result in better outcomes, regardless of quarterback challenges.

Pittsburgh’s showing was more surprising. With DK Metcalf catching only four passes on numerous targets, Rico Dowdle averaging under two yards per rush, and Aaron Rodgers completing 24 out of 40 passing attempts, expectations were not met.

Looking ahead, fans may struggle to find optimism for the coming week. The Steelers face a tough road game against the reigning conference champion New England Patriots.

Meanwhile, the Falcons will play against their divisional opponent, the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers are coming off a 59-point home defeat by the Chicago Bears, presenting an opportunity for Atlanta to recover.