Falcons Week 1 X-factor: Containing star Steelers WR

Over time NFL teams tend to develop identities, and they often stay the same through different coaches, different quarterbacks and different front office regimes. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, their calling card has long been physical defense and getting to the quarterback paired with a potent run game.

That dynamic is at least half true going into the 2026 season. They ranked near the bottom of the NFL in rushing yards last year but remain an excellent pass-rushing team, finishing sixth with 48 last year.