The Pittsburgh Steelers sit alone atop the AFC North after an 18-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. They were the only team in the division to open the season with a win.

As usual, there was a lot to like, but also some not so admirable performances. Here are the varsity and JV performers from week 1.

University team

K Chris Boswell

Boswell tied a franchise record with six made field goals, including three of 50+ yards. He also came in and kicked after Cam Johnston’s injury. He led the Steelers in scoring, is the best kicker in football, and is Week 1’s top star.

EDGE TJ Watt

Watt had two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery that were all taken away by penalties, so it was only fitting that he would have a single count to secure the win for the Steelers. Watt was dominant the entire game and the stats won’t come close to showing how vital he was.

WR George Pickens

Pickens accounted for six of Justin Fields’ 17 completions and 85 of his 156 passing yards. He had catches of 33 and 40 yards and was completely dominant, despite the Falcons having to know where the ball was going.

S DeShon Elliott

What a debut for Elliott. He came away with the Steelers’ first interception of the day, which led to a field goal for Pittsburgh. He also had four tackles and broke up two other passes. A great Steelers debut for Elliott.

CB Donte Jackson

Jackson nearly had an interception early in the game that slipped through his fingers, but he came away with what would ultimately be the game-winning interception to set up the Steelers’ sixth field goal and stop a potential game-winning drive for the Falcons. Many people were negative about the acquisition of Jackson, but he immediately showed that he is a perfect No. 2 for this defense.

S Minkah Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick was everywhere defensively. He led the team with seven tackles and flew up into the box to stop runs that could have generated more yardage. He’s such a smart player and continues to make an impact even when he doesn’t get a takeaway.

DT Montravius ​​​​Adams

Adams had three tackles and a sack, and a hit on Cousins. Solid day from Adams.

Junior Varsity

WR Van Jefferson

Jefferson didn’t necessarily play bad, but he only had one catch for one yard and didn’t show much as a run blocker. No one expected him to come in and be a 60-catch guy, but the inability to help in the run game is what’s really concerning.

Early play calls

Overall, Arthur Smith called a very good game that led to a long, sustained drive; the Steelers just need to finish. However, a couple of those early calls were crap. The reverse to George Pickens that lost 10 yards and had no chance from the start? Bad. A swing pass to Pickens for his first catch of the game that lost six because everyone in the building saw it coming? Bad. It got much better, but it became a concern early.

QB Center Exchanges

Really? Another fumble from under center? Figure it out. This time it was Zach Frazier and not Nate Herbig, so we know this is probably more Fields’ fault than anyone else. This shouldn’t be a weekly problem — and it shouldn’t be a problem not at all.

The Steelers have completed their task and head to Denver in Week 2 to take on the Broncos.