Revisiting Steelers-Falcons Recent History

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Jayson Erwin. Follow him on Twitter @JaysonErwin2002

Fresh off a win over now Colts QB Matt Ryan, we can revisit one of the most heartbreaking careers in NFL history. One of the most talented quarterbacks during the mid-2010s, Ryan put up tremendous stats, but never was able to call himself a champion. Part of that reason is because he never beat the Pittsburgh Steelers. This week, the Steelers will take on a Ryan-less Falcons team, but let's revisit the three times they've met.

Week 1: Steelers vs. Falcons, 2010

The Steelers didn't have Big Ben to open up the season due to a 4-game suspension so they had to start QB Dennis Dixon. It was quite a defensive game, with just field goals through the four quarters that led to overtime tied 9-9. The Falcons got the ball first and punted, leaving the ball on the 50-yard line. A lot of fans were expecting a boring field goal ending or possibly worse, a tie. With all the missed field goals, punts, and picks, it was amazing and hilarious how the game ended. How long did it take before we had a winner after the Falcons first drive punt? ONE. PLAY. Newer Steeler fans I present to you, Rashard Mendenhall! Some fans may hate Mendenhall for the fumble in Super Bowl 45, or his recent twitter activity, but man, this play was beautiful. Rashard would run to the right side to a gap so wide you would think Moses opened it. One great offensive play in a tough defensive game decided everything and would be the first Matt Ryan loss vs. the Steelers. 

Week 15: Steelers @ Falcons 2014

The Steelers offense at this time in 2014, was developing into one of the best of all time. You may recall the Killer B's. Ben Roethlisberger threw over 350 yards, Le'Veon Bell ran for over 100 scrimmage yards and 2 touchdowns, and Antonio Brown caught 10 passes for 123 receiving yards. The Falcons defense stood no chance. But could the offense keep up? Well, Matt Ryan's first touchdown pass in this game was to William Gay. And no, he's not on the Falcons. He's one of the best Steeler cornerbacks at the time, so if you think he was, hang your head in shame. The Steelers practiced great clock-chewing ability late in the fourth quarter with about 4:30 to go and chewed the clock down until it was all she wrote and won 27-20 in an impressive offensive performance. The Killer B's were developing into truly something special in 2014. Can't wait to see where they will be in the next matchup vs. Matt Ryan...

Week 5: Steelers vs. Falcons 2018

Well, the Killer B's are in shambles right now and I hope you're happy. Le'Veon Bell is holding out due to a contract dispute and Antonio Brown is in the news every week. This is one of the last great Ben to Brown games since Brown got traded after this season. So let's take a look at the good times. The Steelers and Falcons had one win each and were in desperate need of a win to prove they were still contenders for the playoffs. The Steelers understood this, Matt Ryan and the Falcons though? Mm. The Steelers decimated the Falcons on both sides. A 41-17 smackdown on a nice Sunday afternoon for Steelers players and fans alike. Antonio Brown had over 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns from Big Ben. There would only be 3 more 100+ yard games with Brown and Ben until the end of the year. I'm not crying, you are...and probably Matt Ryan, too. 

This time around, it will be Marcus Mariota for the Falcons. Which will just seem... weird. Can the Steelers continue their dominance over the Falcons?