{
  "id": 7222899,
  "title": "Falcons-Steelers Among Worst Offensive Games in NFL History",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/falcons-steelers-among-worst-offensive-games-in-nfl-history",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-14T01:35:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/falcons-steelers-among-worst-offensive-games-in-nfl-history-12437160"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers delivered two of the most lackluster offensive performances in NFL history. The Falcons struggled, completing just 2-of-12 passes on third downs and losing 121 yards due to penalties, sacks, or turnovers. Two of those turnovers resulted in a T.J. Watt pick-six that proved pivotal in the game, won by the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh wasn't much better, managing just 3-of-13 on third downs, losing 67 yards through penalties or sacks, and suffering two failed fourth-down conversions, with one fumble lost.\n\nTo put these numbers into perspective, according to analysis by Sumer Sports, this matchup ranks as the 1,069th worst game out of 1,097 analyzed, placing it at the third percentile. The Falcons' troubles were exacerbated by Cooper Rush taking over as quarterback after injuries sidelined Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. With Bijan Robinson sidelined as a running back, Drake London struggling at wide receiver, and Kyle Pitts performing poorly at tight end, the Falcons seemed to lack the necessary ingredients for success.\n\nConversely, the Steelers' performance was equally disappointing, with DK Metcalf's catches limited to just four despite facing double-digit targets, Rico Dowdle averaging under two yards per rush, and Aaron Rodgers completing only 24 out of 40 pass attempts. This poor showing leaves both fan bases pondering the prospects of excitement for the upcoming week. The Steelers will head to New England to face the defending conference champion Patriots, a daunting task. Meanwhile, the Falcons will face their division rivals, the Carolina Panthers, who had a commanding home performance against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.",
  "summary": "The Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers played one of the worst offensive games in NFL history on Sunday.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}