The Pittsburgh Steelers started off the 2024 season with a hard-fought win over the Falcons in Atlanta. After being placed in the underdog role to start the season yet again this year, there were a number of Steelers players who stepped up and helped lead this team to victory.

But who gets the game ball?

Each win for the Steelers this season, I will set forth nominations to receive the SCN game ball. It does not necessarily have to be the best player on the field, but who really stepped up their game this particular week. After the case has been made, you all decide which player takes home the honor.

I will remind everyone of the rules that it is individual players who will be in the running. Although it could be applicable, it will not be either position groups or coaches who are eligible for this designation as they are more in line for Jeff Hartman’s Winners and Losers article.

So here are the nominations in no particular order:

Chris Boswell

It’s rare when one player scores all the points for a given team. But Chris Boswell knocked through all six field goals on Sunday with three of them coming from beyond 50 yards. On top of that, he had to fill-in with no warm-up as the emergency punter and managed to have a 43 yard punt with no return.

T.J. Watt

Some players can just completely wreck a game. Even though two big plays were overturned with penalties, one of which was by Watt himself but was extremely questionable, T.J. Watt still was changing the plans of the Atlanta Falcons. Watt finished with four tackles, one sack to end of the game, three quarterback hits, and a fumble recovery.

George Pickens

The Steelers leading receiver for the game, Pickens had six receptions on seven targets for 85 yards. This doesn’t even include Pickens other reception where he was called for offensive pass interference that was highly debatable at best.

Justin Fields

Not officially knowing he was getting the start until Sunday morning, Justin Fields did what needed to be done for the Steelers offense to do their part in the victory. Fields led six scoring drives, albeit all field goals, and another drive inside the Falcons 10-yard line that stalled on fourth down. Only throwing for 156 yards on 17 completions, Fields also added 57 yards on the ground. Far from perfect, the biggest thing Fields may have done for the Steelers was taking care of the football and not giving the Falcons extra opportunities.

DeShon Elliott

In his first game with the Steelers, DeShon Elliott came up with an early interception to stop the Falcons second drive of the game. Elliott finished with four tackles and two passes defensed.

So what do you think? Who deserves the game ball for the Steelers this week? Make sure you vote in the poll as this is how the winner will be determined. As a bonus, you can even add another choice if you think someone other than these five should get the honor (and no cheating on the rules or it will be removed). And of course, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Steelers Week 1 Game Ball

Who gets the game ball for the Steelers Week 1 victory over the Falcons?

Chris Boswell

T.J. Watt

George Pickens

Justin Fields

DeShon Elliott

If 'Other' is filled, checked answers are ignored.