While the team has not played the Falcons since 2023, the Steelers will recognize some familiar faces donning the red and black. Atlanta had a full overhaul in the offseason, removing head coach Raheem Morris and releasing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Walking the sidelines for the Falcons is former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, who knows the Steelers all too well. In his time in Cleveland, Stefanski went 4-6 against Pittsburgh, with his lone playoff win coming against the Steelers in 2020.
While his location changed area codes, his philosophy remains the same.
"He's going to bring some things that we've seen in Cleveland twice a year," Steelers defensive lineman Keeanu Benton said. "But just being prepared for anything. I think we're doing a good job of getting a beat on what Atlanta did before he got there, and also what he did while he was with Cleveland. "
Stefanski had to deal with quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders last season, which led them to a 5-12 record. Once hired in Atlanta, he had quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in his back pocket, but an injury made him find a backup plan.
That's where he landed on former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was recently named the starter for Week 1 against the Steelers. Having him under center gives him a chance to thrive with weapons such as running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts.
The Steelers defense took note of the changes inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium and knows that it won't be a cakewalk.
"He got better playmakers now," Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen said. "I think he got guys that he get the ball into space and do a lot of damage with it. So it's going to be a heavyweight fight. "
The last time Tagovailoa played the Steelers was in 2025 on a cold Monday night. The seven-year veteran threw two touchdowns and one interception in an offensive struggle against the Steelers' defense.
However, the fresh start in a new city can improve Tagovailoa's play drastically.
"It's a different offense, different system. I think the only thing you can prepare for is, like, quick timing. Just seeing how he does that," Queen added. "But at the same time, you know, they got new coaches, so it could mess with his technique or whatever it is. So, it's just really the first drive is coming out there and trying to figure everything out. "
McCarthy acknowledged Stefanski's philosophy and playstyle when meeting with the media on Monday. He mentioned how he's focused on his team being prepared to meet the Falcons inside Acrisure Stadium in Week 1, a lesson he learned during his previous stints with the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers.
