Steelers 15, Atlanta Falcons 9
September 12, 2010
Heinz Field
Getting their kicks: For four quarters it was nothing but field goals. One after another after another. Three for Jeff Reed and three for the Falcons Matt Bryant to lock the game at 9-9 at the end of regulation. And the end zone, it remained untouched for 60 minutes.
The Steelers had a chance to win in regulation after Troy Polamalu intercepted Matt Ryan with 1:40 to play. But Reed, who kept the Steelers in the game, missed a 40-yard field goal with 43 seconds remaining.
Take a look at this memorable game when the Steelers played the Falcons on September 12, 2010. The Steelers defeated the Falcons 15-9.
OT thriller: The Falcons got the ball to start overtime, but the defense held strong. When the Steelers got the ball, it took no time to do what they struggled with for four quarters. On their first play from scrimmage in OT Rashard Mendenhall broke free for a 50-yard touchdown, giving the Steelers a 15-9 opening day win.
"It's great to get a hard-fought win," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "I like the way our group did ride the emotional roller coaster of staying on task throughout. There were many outstanding efforts to identify but largely I thought we stayed together and played team football, and we did it until the very end."
A new QB: Dennis Dixon started in place of Ben Roethlisberger, who was serving a suspension. Byron Leftwich was earmarked as the starter with Roethlisberger out, but he suffered a knee injury in the preseason finale, sidelining him for the game. In just his second-career start Dixon completed 18 of 26 passes for 236 yards.
"This is every quarterback's dream, to get an opportunity to start in the National Football League," said Dixon.
D brings it: The defense held the Falcons ground game to just 58 yards, while getting pressure on Ryan as well. Ryan was sacked twice, threw the interception to Polamalu, and the defense had five pass defenses.
