The 36-year-old quarterback redeemed himself by the end of the first half, completing all seven passes on an 85-yard drive that ended with tight end Kyle Pitts celebrating in the end zone. But things got even worse for Cousins ​​and Co. in the second half.

Center Drew Dalman’s bad snap resulted in a lost fumble on the Falcons’ first possession of the third quarter, ending an offense that led into Pittsburgh territory. The Falcons managed just one first down on their next three possessions, allowing the Steelers to pull away and control the game.

Trailing 15-10 with just over three minutes left to play, Cousins ​​had the opportunity to lead a game-winning drive, but an ill-advised throw to Ray-Ray McCloud in double coverage deflated Mercedes-Benz Stadium after two plays. Atlanta got the ball back with 28 seconds left, but Cousins ​​was sacked on the final play of the game.

“We should have played better,” Cousins ​​said. “That’s the bottom line. I thought our defense played very well; I thought our special teams played very well. We didn’t complement that enough on offense.”

The Falcons’ three turnovers led to three of the Steelers’ six field goals that helped them win. Cousins, who had just 19 passing yards in the second half, looked slow and indecisive in the pocket at times, especially under pressure. It was a rusty performance that some might expect from a quarterback playing his first game in 10 months after tearing his Achilles last year.

“We know he needs to play better,” said head coach Raheem Morris. “There’s no doubt about that and we’re looking forward to him doing that. He’s been in the league a long time. I’m looking forward to him recovering from a tough outing. I’m not too worried about that.”

Atlanta travels next week to the away game against the Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) on Monday Night Football.