On August 31st the Pitt Panthers started their season off at home playing against the Kent State Flashes. Even before the home opener, the Panthers were already in headlines by the announcement of their starting quarterback Eli Holstein. Holstein was a transfer from Alabama. In an interview asking why he transferred he said, “Just wanted a new, fresh start.” It was an easy day for the Panthers as they won against the Golden Flashes 55-24. Holstein had over 300 yards passing, along with 3 touchdowns and only 1 interception. Running back Desmond Reid also had a big day on the ground with 14 carries 145 yards and 1 rushing touchdown. Holstein’s main target Kenny Johnson had 7 receptions for 105 yards and 1 touchdown. Excellent debut for the Panthers and hopefully they can carry this momentum forward to the following games.
Now onto the Pittsburgh Steelers who started their season on September 8th. Some uncertainty was around the team before the game started due to a calf injury from starting quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson was a game time decision heading up to Sunday and decided he was not ready to play. Backup quarterback Justin Fields, who was traded in the offseason to the steelers, was set as the starter for week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. This game was a homecoming for Fields as he grew in Kennesaw, Georgia. He also attended Georgia before transferring to Ohio State. This Game also was headlined by the return of former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith. Smith was the Falcons head coach for three seasons, 2021-2023, in which he led them to a 7-10 record in all three of his seasons. Smith was fired by the Falcons after constant let downs in close, 1 score games.
Fields and Smith both got what they wanted as the Steelers took the win in Atlanta 18-10. The Unique thing about the score is that the Steelers scored no touchdowns. Kicker Chris Boswell booted 6 field goals down the middle of the uprights to score all the Steeler’s points. T.J. Watt was also a huge factor on the defensive side as well. Watt had multiple Quarterback pressures, a forced fumble, and a sack. It is unclear if fields played well enough well enough to earn the starting job. In an interview Coach Tomlin was asked about this situation and he said, ““I felt really good about both quarterbacks. I was very clear to you guys when I named Russ the starter how comfortable I was with both quarterbacks. And so, if that is true, why not be really comfortable with playing Justin under the circumstances with Russ being in less-than-ideal physical shape? That was a thought process. There wasn’t a lot of discussion. Russ was very supportive today, and that was appreciated. But we went with Justin. I’m glad we got two real capable quarterbacks.”
Both teams showed what they are capable of, and what they can improve on as Pittsburgh Football fans hope for an entertaining season.