Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy reunion starts with dramatic Steelers win

Mike McCarthy couldn’t have scripted a much better homecoming.

The Pittsburgh native earned his first victory as Steelers head coach Sunday as Pittsburgh defeated the Atlanta Falcons 20-13, with T.J. Watt delivering the game’s defining performance.

Afterward, Aaron Rodgers presented McCarthy with the game ball, recognizing what the victory meant to a coach who grew up cheering for the Steelers.

“First team ball, first win,” McCarthy said. “So it’s obviously a special moment.”

Rodgers, who played 13 seasons under McCarthy in Green Bay, understood the significance. McCarthy grew up near Pittsburgh, and his parents still live in the area.

But Pittsburgh’s defense made sure the reunion ended with a celebration.

Watt recorded two sacks and produced the biggest play of the afternoon when he intercepted Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush early in the fourth quarter.

After initially going to the ground, Watt heard teammate Keeanu Benton yelling for him to get up. Watt responded by racing 35 yards for a touchdown, giving Pittsburgh the decisive score.

T.J. Watt’s insane pick-six seals Steelers win

The interception also placed Watt in rare NFL company. He joined Julius Peppers as the only players in league history to record at least 100 sacks and 10 interceptions.

Pittsburgh’s defensive front consistently pressured Rush, finishing with four sacks and five quarterback hits. Alex Highsmith added two sacks, while Jaquan Brisker intercepted a pass during his Steelers debut.

Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s rotation helped keep Pittsburgh’s pass rush fresh throughout the afternoon, allowing Watt, Highsmith, Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer to attack in waves.

That defensive production was especially important because Pittsburgh’s offense wasn’t nearly as sharp.

Rodgers completed 24 of 40 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown, but the passing attack struggled to consistently create explosive plays. Several incompletions and drops prevented Pittsburgh from pulling away earlier.

None of that mattered once the clock expired.

McCarthy had his first Steelers victory, Rodgers opened his final season 1-0, and Watt once again showed why Pittsburgh’s defense can change a game in an instant.

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