Steelers Keep Rolling With 34-16 Win Over Falcons
PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) – The Pittsburgh Steelers kept their preseason momentum going with a decisive win over the Atlanta Falcons Saturday night at Heinz Field.
Antonio Brown caught four passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Steelers to a 34-16 win.
Ben Roethlisberger was sharp and efficient in limited action. He completed 11 of his 16 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns.
The Falcons looked at the game as a litmus test. The defending NFC South champions moved the ball with ease but couldn't match Pittsburgh's fireworks.
Matt Ryan was forced to throw early and often against the Steelers' defense. He completed 22 of his 42 passes for 220 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Roddy White led the way for the Falcons with eight receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown.
For Brown, Saturday's game built upon the breakout performance he had against the Philadelphia Eagles last week.
Brown scored a 29-yard touchdown against Philadelphia on a nifty double-move after Roethlisberger escaped pressure. He was so open when he caught the ball he needed to do little more than remain on his feet.
He wasted no time in getting the Steelers going against the Falcons. He started the game with a 51-yard kickoff return that led to a 1-yard touchdown run by Rashard Mendenhall.
Facing third-and-6 from the Pittsburgh 23 early in the second quarter, Roethlisberger found Brown running down the seam at midfield. Brown split a pair of defenders and easily outran them to the end zone.
However, it wasn't all good news for the Steelers.
Backup quarterback Byron Leftwich broke his left arm in the second half.
The Steelers will close out the preseason on the road against the Carolina Panthers.
You can watch the game Thursday night at 8 p.m. on KDKA-TV.
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