Teresa Varley

Friday, September 11

Showcasing what they have:Earlier this week Coach Mike McCarthy stressed the importance of rotating players in on defense to keep them fresh not just throughout the game, but also the season.

And one name in particular he brought up was linebacker T.J. Watt.

"I'm not interested in seeing T.J. average 60-plus plays a game," said McCarthy. "That's not the best for him and that's not the best for us as a defense. It's important for us to keep those guys fresh and make sure they're at their best in the fourth quarter.

"Play time and how we distribute that as far as how it's laid out going in the game is a big part of our preparation process.

"At the end of it, when you get into the game, you play to win. I understand that, but it's a long year. It's a long year and it definitely takes more than 11 guys to play on offense and defense. I think that's clearly what we were trying to illustrate in the depth chart."

No doubt, Watt would be out there every snap if he had his way.

But he, more than anybody, understands that rotation is important.

"It's huge," said Watt of the importance of the rotation. "I think it's something that we're constantly trying to get better at.

"Obviously, we're all guys that want to be out there as much as humanly possible, but I don't think it is smart, especially when you look at the stats that go with it, and trying to continue to grow as we age, and try to make these deep playoff runs.

"You try to understand that as games go on, we want to be fresh and lean on the rotation that we have, and I think we'll do a better job of that this year."

The Steelers outside linebacker rotation includes Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, who are all listed as starters, along with second-year player Jack Sawyer.

Watt loves the talent that exists, making it easier to accept the snap count the longer he has been in the NFL.

"I still want to be on every snap, but I understand that I'd rather play less and go as hard as I possibly can and trust Jack and Herb and Alex," said Watt. "For us to have the great rotation that we do have is special. The plays are going to be there to be made no matter how many snaps you get."

Those snaps will begin on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium in the season opener. Watt didn't play in the preseason and is ready to put on the helmet and get going.

"I get excited," said Watt. "And I think with the new group, so much to showcase what we've been working on for the past couple months. You guys haven't seen us all together as a unit, we haven't played in the preseason games.

"So, I'm just really excited to showcase what we've worked on more than anything"

And what will it be the defense showcases was the question Watt was asked.

No, he didn't give away any secrets, just be ready on Sunday.

"I think schematically you'll see some things different, but you hope that the traits are still the same," said Watt. "The ball hawking, creating splash. Getting as many hats to the ball as possible, getting off the field as quickly as possible.

"At the end of the day, it's all about playing great defense for us. And those things will never change. Just smashing the run, making them one dimensional."

That Week 1 feel:Defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day doesn't take the regular season opener for granted.

Entering his eighth season in the NFL, he knows how special each one is.

And his appreciation for them has only grown.

"It's always a different feeling Week 1," said Joseph-Day. "It doesn't matter how many years you've played. It's always a real deal, Holyfield.

"Everyone's just locked in. And it's both sides. Everyone's starting from the ground up, everyone's ready to go."

For the Steelers, it goes to a different level this year with the team opening at home at Acrisure Stadium against the Atlanta Falcons.

And it will be the first time Joseph-Day will play a regular season home game in front of Steelers Nation.

"I'm very excited. I feel very blessed," said Joseph-Day. "I feel very fortunate to be able to play for such a prestigious organization.

"But I'm more excited to be able to go out there, go out there and just help this team win in whatever way I can."

He will do that with a defense that makes his eyes light up. Jospeh-Day loves the potential of the group from front to back and can't wait to take the field with the unit.

"What's not to like?" said Joseph-Day. "We have a great mix of experienced vets and great young guys, up and coming and ascending players. It's really exciting to be a part of.

"Everyone loves ball. Everyone wants to come to work every day.

"Cam (Heyward) has a saying that I love. He says, don't waste my time because you're not here to waste no time. You're here to get better. And I love that honestly. Because it's real. No one is here to waste time. Everyone's here to get better."

The goal for the defense is to improve every day this week as they face a stiff challenge ahead against Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, running back Bijon Robinson and new head coach Kevin Stefanski.

"Oh, a ton of challenges, especially with Kevin over there, and Tua," said Joseph-Day. "There are a bunch of weapons.

"It's definitely going to be very challenging. It's going to be fun, though. It's going to be a fun challenge."

Ready for the assignment:If there is one thing that is known about the Steelers game plan this week, it's that it's not known publicly who will see what type of playing time.

And going into the season opener, that's the way it should be.

Rookie receiver Germie Bernard doesn't know how much playing time he will receive, but there is one thing he does know.

He better be ready for whatever is asked of him.

"That's not really my worry," said Bernard. "I'm just going to focus on the game plan right now. And then whenever, or if I go in, I'll make the most of my opportunities.

"But it's not something that I'm worried about."

Bernard has been tasked with a lot early in his career, learning multiple positions in the receiver tree.

While it can be tough, it's something he has adapted to without any issues.

"It's very challenging, I would say, but I take it very well," said Bernard. "I take it as a strength for the coaches to trust in me to know all positions and play all the positions.

"So, for me, I take a lot of time to make sure that I'm studying. Take a lot of time walking through the plays, knowing my assignments. It creates more opportunities when you're able to be moved around to different positions to give some more opportunity to get on the field."

Having the ability to adapt to playing multiple positions as a rookie isn't always commonplace and Bernard has drawn plenty of praise for how he has handled it.

"I think Germie's been as good as anybody the way that he prepares," said veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr. "He doesn't really make a lot of mistakes, which is rare for a guy that's his age.

"I think he's ready to go and we're going to see some big things from him."

Never forget:Sunday's game will honor the 25th Anniversary of Sept. 11 and the heroes of Flight 93. A moment of silence will be held before the National Anthem. Family members of the victims of Flight 93 will stand on the field for the Anthem.

Players will wear special ribbons on their helmet marking the 25th Anniversary of Sept. 11, while sideline personnel will have pins. There will also be other markings in stadium to honor the anniversary.

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Thursday, September 10

Words of praise:Coach Mike McCarthy probably said it best on Thursday morning when he was asked about receiver DK Metcalf.

He referred to him as an 'absolute stud.'

"DK has been incredible," said McCarthy. "I don't think we've had an offensive review videotape that he's not highlighted. He had three things he did yesterday that (were) just special.

"The connection that him and Aaron (Rodgers) have is top-notch. Been around a few of them, but I've been super, super impressed with DK. I didn't realize the flexibility that he gives you.

"He's just an absolute stud."

McCarthy isn't the only one singing Metcalf's praise.

"DK has looked unbelievable," said Rodgers of his big receiver.

The Metcalf-Rodgers relationship is one that began in earnest in training camp in 2025, when the two were suite mates for the first time at Saint Vincent College.

It's a relationship that has only grown stronger.

"I think that's just it, having a year under our belt," said Metcalf. "We know how to communicate with each other. We know what we're looking for out there. And we both know how to watch film, communicate on the routes that we like, what we've seen, what we didn't like.

"And I'm open to taking criticism from him. Just going out there and applying it the best way I see fit. We go back to the meeting room and then talk about it some more."

Metcalf said their relationship hasn't changed under McCarthy and the new offense, just talking through things and making sure they are always on the same page.

"Nothing has changed besides the communication aspect," said Metcalf. "There's more routes we can talk about, more plays we can talk about. We can describe defenses with the same language as each other. So, nothing different.

"Different offense but we are further ahead than last year."

Someplace special:Coach Mike McCarthy grew up in Pittsburgh. He was raised on Steelers football and the values those who come from the city embody.

And in the Steelers first team meeting of the regular season on Monday, McCarthy shared what Pittsburgh is about with his team.

"I think history is important," said McCarthy this week. "There's nothing like the history of the city of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Steelers. I spent some time on that (Monday) in the team meeting. Hopefully it resonated with the players."

His hope for it resonating with the players is something McCarthy doesn't have to worry about.

They listened.

They understood.

And they didn't forget.

McCarthy shared with them Pittsburgh's rich history in the steel making industry, when J&L Steel had mills on both sides of the Monongahela River, one of them only a few minutes from McCarthy's childhood Greenfield home and the other where the Steelers practice facility now stands.

"He educated us on the history of the steel mills, how Pittsburgh was built on the steel production," said receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who is in his first season with the team after being acquired via a trade with the Colts in the offseason. "We learned the mills once produced 75% of America's steel, which basically built America, and that it supported a lot of jobs. And when the mills closed down, it forced Pittsburgh to really rally, because their industry that kept them afloat all of a sudden just shut down.

"He illustrated how resilient Pittsburgh is and how the team really takes on the attitude of the city.

"I didn't really know the history. I knew Pittsburgh was a steel production town, but I didn't know the level. It gave us a background and showed us the attitude that Pittsburgh has."

Tight end Robert Tonyan, who was signed by the Steelers late in the offseason program, spent time with McCarthy at Green Bay as well. He knows McCarthy's passion for Pittsburgh, with his coach even sharing stories when he was with the Packers.

"We learned this week about the manufacturing of steel and that industry and how when they were running, the mills never closed," said Tonyan. "This city was built on hard work and that was the foundation of it. Although that's not the industry nowadays, this team still brings the hard work and that type of mentality to the city. He talked about this before when we were in Green Bay. He brought up the Pittsburgh mentality and what it brings.

"It's cool to know the history, and obviously he's from here so he has a lot of passion about it. To see where he's coming from and how he sees it is good for us to get on board with."

McCarthy's genuine passion for Pittsburgh, and his understanding of the history, is what made it easy to get on board with.

"He was telling us stories about the mills from when he was a kid," said Pittman. "Having somebody that actually lived it, there's more credibility for sure."

Consistency in messaging:The definitive word back in OTAs, as the Steelers began their on-field transition into the Mike McCarthy era, was "detail."

As the regular-season opener approaches, the Steelers are still talking relentlessly if not obsessively about attention to detail.

"Obviously, we have a lot of great players," outside linebacker Alex Highsmith maintained. "I was just excited for the amount of detail that we've shown so far, and I think we're going to continue to show that. I think that's what separates being a good and great defense. We have a lot of talent. For us it's about going out there and executing and playing physical and being on the details.

"We know when we're executing, that's when we play well. So for us, that's what it's about, locking in on the details on every single play."

That goes for the starters and the backups, for everyone, especially given McCarthy's stated desire to rely on rotating fresh players into games along the defensive front. Highsmith is all for that.

"Absolutely, especially in our groups, our outside 'backer group, our D-line group," he continued. "We have a lot of depth. We have a lot of good players.

"If we can continue to throw guys at offensive linemen, continue to get pressure, not just from the starters but also from the guys coming in, as well, I think it's going to be huge for us."

Job One come Sunday when the Steelers host the Falcons will be to apply the concepts of detail and physicality as often as humanly possibly while defending against Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson, who rushed for 1,478 yards and averaged 5.1 yards per carry last season.

"That's where it starts," Highsmith acknowledged. "It starts with stopping him. He's a great player, got a lot of respect for him. I think we just have to get after him from the jump. We can't let him get going, get downhill to our second level.

"I think up front we just gotta control the line of scrimmage, play physical, play with our hands and get off blocks. Because even if you're still in a block, he's the type of guy that can run through arm tackles. We gotta not just destroy blocks, we gotta get off blocks, as well.

"We know to win this game we have to be the most physical team. I think that's what it's about."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

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Wednesday, September 9

Winning comes first:When Coach Mike McCarthy spoke on Wednesday morning, he stressed the importance of keeping players fresh by rotating guys in on defense.

McCarthy was specifically talking about linebacker T.J. Watt, but defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, who is entering his 16th season, doesn't mind the same approach.

Because for Heyward, it's not about the snaps, it's about the final score.

"I only care about winning," said Heyward. "I think we have a lot of capable guys. It's not how many reps you have, it's what you do with those reps that should matter. And the best guy should be fresh by the end of the game and ready to roll."

Heyward is looking forward to the Steelers 2026 defense debut against the Falcons on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, but what the defense is going to look like, he is keeping everyone guessing.

"Stay tuned," quipped Heyward. "We'll see."

What is going to play out though, he is pumped for.

"Very excited," said Heyward. "I think all three levels, we have playmakers. We have a good system. And I just think we have a together group. We get to wash our record clean of last year and try for 1-0."

To get to that point the defense will have to contain one of the Falcons top weapons, running back Bijan Robinson.

It's easier said than done, but Heyward knows they are up for the challenge.

"He challenges the edges, he's electric out of the backfield," said Heyward. "He can be patient at times but then hit it out on the back side.

"There's just a lot of respect. I think he's capable of explosive plays on any level. We have to be ready on all three levels. We have to have guys get to the ball. It's an 11-man job."

And how long Heyward plans on being a part of that "11-man job" is something people have been talking about lately, after comments he made on The Rich Eisen Show when he said this year or next could be his last.

"I was really just saying I'm taking it year-by-year for now," said Heyward. "At this point in my career, it's not about jumping the gun and saying, hey, I'm done right now, or, hey, I can play another year.

"I've got to take it one year at a time and really just approach it that way, because that's a decision I make, my family makes, and the team makes as well."

Ready for takeoff:For many coaches, a depth chart is simply a sheet of paper that is required to be filled out.

Coach Mike McCarthy has basically indicated to take them with a grain of salt, because in today's game, rotation is just as big an aspect as who starts the game.

That is why his depth chart has extra players as well as several positions listed with an 'or.'

"Depth charts arethey're a little bit tricky in the sense that you don't ever line and play with 11 players on offense or defense," said McCarthy. "So, a better illustration would be 13, 14 players. That's been my experience, just along with base defense or sub-defense, and the reality of how you're going to play on offense, how they're going to play on offense, how they're going to play on defense.

"I think we just tried to represent the best we could within the format. I think it's more of a reflection of that."

With that being the case, McCarthy listed three outside linebackers on the depth chart, T.J. Watt at left, Alex Highsmith at right and Nick Herbig simply listed as outside linebacker.

"I appreciate that, yes," said Herbig. "That's love. But I'm just ready to get that kickoff here, the jets flying over the stadium."

Herbig knows there will be rotation at outside linebacker, with McCarthy indicating on Wednesday he wants to keep an eye on Watt's snap count.

"I'm not interested in seeing T.J. average 60-plus plays a game," said McCarthy. "That's not the best for him and that's not the best for us as a defense. It's important for us to keep those guys fresh and make sure they're at their best in the fourth quarter. So, all of those things factor into it, and that's why I go with Jack (Sawyer) (too). I mean, look for Jack. He's got to be part of that. Also, he'll be part of it on special teams. But we want to play our players here. Play time and how we distribute that as far as how it's laid out going in the game is a big part of our preparation process.

"At the end of it, when you get into the game, you play to win. I understand that, but it's a long year. It's a long year and it definitely takes more than 11 guys to play on offense and defense. I think that's clearly what we were trying to illustrate in the depth chart."

Herbig isn't concerned about how many snaps he receives.

He is just looking forward to being out there and everyone staying fresh.

"I think it's a great philosophy to have," said Herbig. "It's been great. Coach McCarthy is taking care of us, keeping us fresh. We've got to trust him. We've got to trust the plan that he's laid out for us, whether that's me or T.J. or Cam, whoever it is. Whether it's the rookie or year 10 guy, we've all got to buy into the program."

While Herbig's mind is solidly on Sunday's game against the Falcons, he is also thinking about the people impacted by Hurricane Lowell which hit the Western Islands in his home of Hawaii.

"It's a tough time for people back home right now," said Herbig. "I'm glad the majority are safe. No one really got hurt, but a lot of people lost their homes. They lost property. A lot of places we grew up going to, like Baby Beach and a couple of the roads are really destroyed.

"I'm just praying for everybody back home. Me and my team at HerbieGives, we're trying our best to have resources and support out there. It's obviously hard for me right now, getting ready for Week 1, but I've got all that going back home, so I'm just blessed to have good people around me, good people in my circle that are helping us take care of that on my behalf."

Ready, willing and able:The more you can do.

It's a saying that was common for Steelers Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Noll, focusing on players' versatility and willingness to do always do more.

That saying might have come to light in the 1970s, but it still holds true today for the Steelers.

Just ask defensive lineman Keeanu Benton.

The willingness to do more is something that has been instilled in the veterans on the defensive line and he already sees young players following suit.

"Everybody's willing," said Benton. "That's where it starts, especially (Gabriel) Rubio coming in. He's willing to play all the different positions. Everybody's pretty selfless. We intertwine. I play nose, I play end.

"Just being willing to be in those different positions and not complaining and being fresh for each other."

The Steelers have a mix on the defensive line, with veterans such as Cameron Heyward and Sebastian Joseph-Day working side-by-side with younger players like Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black and Rubio.

"I feel like we're all trying to find our way in this thing," said Benton of the young linemen. "Everybody figured out their role and how to elevate it. And nobody's shy to do so, especially in the D-line room. We all get a beat on each other, who we are. And then just going out there and trying to play to the best of our ability."

Benton isn't sure how the rotation on the line is going to work on Sunday against the Falcons, but one thing he does know, is everybody better be ready.

"Everybody who's got their pads on better be ready to play," said Benton. "That's how I look at it."

Ready to do what he does:Kaden Wetjen's 45-yard punt return for a touchdown on Aug. 27 at Buffalo was a relief, not because the rookie from Iowa was wondering whether his return skills would transfer to the NFL but because the Steelers' fourth-round selection was surprised they hadn't already.

"It was a result of the (punt return) unit working hard," Wetjen maintained. "I think that should have happened earlier, personally, earlier in the preseason games, but we finally got it done.

"Otherwise, I was gonna be pretty upset if we didn't get one in the preseason."

Wetjen has the highest of expectations for himself and his return units. Apparently, taking a combined two kickoffs and four punts all the way back for touchdowns over the past two college seasons has that type of effect on a returner's confidence. It has with Wetjen.

"My mindset is to do it every time," he said.

Failing that admittedly unrealistic goal, Wetjen maintains he can still have an impact in the kicking game.

"Even statistics show, I mean, the closer you are to the end zone (when an offensive possession commences) the higher the chances are of scoring," Wetjen said. "If I can get a first down at least, maybe, or two-plus (20 or more yards) every time, that just raises our chances of scoring even if it's not a punt return or kick return touchdown.

"I definitely take pride in that. I've always kind of used that as one of my strengths."

The Steelers like Wetjen's potential as a wide receiver as well as a combustible returner. Enough that they applied "tough love," according to head coach Mike McCarthy, while coaching Wetjen up in the preseason. McCarthy pointing out Wetjen should have scored on what became a 74-yard catch-and-run to the Packers' 3-yard line on Aug. 13 against Green Bay stands as an example of how Wetjen has been handled. And Wetjen is in for all of it.

"Holding myself to the highest standard, as well, I think I should have scored on that," he said. "That's another thing that helps me know that they have confidence in me, knowing that they need me and they know I'm capable of that.

"Just having them give me tough love like that, I appreciate it."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Bringing you the action:For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

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Monday, September 7

An electric atmosphere:There is always renewed energy when it comes to Week 1 of the regular season, and that energy isn't lost on linebacker Patrick Queen.

Queen said there was a feeling in practice on Monday, one that was noticeable with the energy he and his defensive teammates exude as they worked at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Labor Day.

"We've got a tight group," said Queen. "Just going on the field today, I noticed it. Guys were celebrating quickly. I mean, as soon as the play happened, guys were running over to the guy that made the play, celebrating.

"Everybody's in the locker room just talking to each other. Everybody making handshakes today. Everybody's trying to get their handshake down today.

"It's going to be electric. It's going to be fun."

The work this week will culminate on Sunday when the Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons in the season opener at Acrisure Stadium at 1 p.m.

Queen is looking forward to showing what the defense can bring this year, a defense that combines a solid mix of veterans and younger players under new coordinator Patrick Graham.

"I'm really excited," said Queen. "It's been a lot of work. Everybody's been putting in the work, everybody's been grinding. And the coaches have been laying a great foundation.

"Now it's time to start building those things. Try to stack the wins. Take care of this first one. It's going to be a great time to see us fly around, home game, home opener. It's going to be fun."

Fun, yes.

But it's also going to be challenging.

The defense will face quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was named the Falcons starting quarterback on Monday.

"Congrats to him. SEC guy, Bama (Alabama) guy, even though we hate those guys, but just seeing all the stuff that he's been through," said Queen of Tagovailoa, who has suffered multiple concussions in his career. "And then going to a new place and being able to start and finding a way. We all know Tua. He's a great dude, great quarterback. You kind of feel for guys that go through the things that he went through because that's life changing things.

"But we have to get after him."

It takes time:When the Steelers acquired Michael Pittman Jr. via a trade with the Indianapolis Colts this offseason, there was a lot of excitement to see what the veteran wide receiver could bring to the offense.

That opportunity could take place on Sunday when the Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Pittman missed the preseason dealing with an injury, but he said he is improving and feeling good.

"I'm feeling good," said Pittman. "Obviously, Coach (Mike McCarthy) is going to make the final say on that, but I feel it's coming along good."

Pittman, who spent the last six seasons with the Colts, said missing time in the preseason isn't something that concerns him as he focused on other aspects during that time.

"I actually think the time I wasn't practicing helped me be able to process things," said Pittman. "Sometimes when you're playing and trying to process it at the same time. I feel like I really took that three-week period, and I took the next step in this offense and getting back.

"I feel like I didn't really lose a step. I actually feel like I'm better on some of the signals in the operation."

And the physical reps are something he can make up quickly, especially with extra time last week, as well as a full week of work leading into the Falcons game.

"The more football that you play, it's less about those physical reps and more about those mental reps," said Pittman. "Obviously, the biggest thing is just getting back in shape.

"I'm feeling pretty good out there. So, coming along well."

Learning quarterback Aaron Rodgers' body language, signals, and subtle nuances is something Pittman has been able to pick up in the offseason and over the past few weeks, but he knows you always have to be on alert.

"It just takes time, but you have to watch him every single play," said Pittman. "Seeing the things he does and how subtle he is. Just knowing was that signal for me or was it for somebody else.

"You get those reps through other people, and since I was out for three weeks, I got a lot of that. So, it helped me."

Pittman is looking forward to this week, and while nothing is written in stone yet, he is anxious to get back to football.

"I think it's going to be great," said Pittman. "I feel like it's been a long time since I've played actual football. So, being able to get out there and being able to get in a home game is going be even better.

"I've never got to play on that field for the Steelers yet because I missed time."

Staying focused:This Sunday will be a new experience for 11 members of the Steelers, all rookies heading into their first NFL regular season game.

Second-round pick Germie Bernard, the receiver from Alabama, is excited for the opportunity, but he also knows it's important to manage emotions.

"I haven't really thought about it too much," said Bernard. "I would just say I'm excited. I'll take it one day at a time.

"I try not to think too far ahead. That's when doubt and worry and different anxieties and stuff start coming.

"So, I just stay focused one day a time and trying to be successful in the day I'm in."

Another thing Bernard is focused on is his relationship with quarterback Aaron Rodgers and making sure he is on the same page with the future Hall of Famer.

"Early in camp, he pulled me to the side," said Bernard. "(He said) if you're going to be out there with me, these are the things that you have to do. These are the things that you're going to have to look for.

"Like I continue to say, when I'm on the field with him and I'm doing plays and everything, I'm always asking him questions so I can be on the same page as him. When the ball comes my way, I make the most of my opportunities.

"It's been going well out there. I'm learning a lot. I think my game has grown a lot. Mentally, I'm able to slow the game down and play fast how I'm supposed to."

Rodgers has been in Bernard's corner, saying he doesn't make the same mistake twice.

It's something the young receiver takes pride in.

"The biggest thing for me is I know he wants guys out there he can trust," said Bernard. "When you make a mistake, because nobody's going to be perfect, but when you make a mistake, you fix it and don't make it again.

"So that's what I focus on. I focus on all the little critiques, all the little details. Everything that he's telling me, so when I'm out there again, and I have that same play, same route, I'm not making the same mistake."

In addition to taking in what Rodgers has to say, Bernard is also focused on the message from Coach Mike McCarthy this week.

"He tells us we just have to continue to come in every single day and work how we're supposed to," said Bernard. "We know what is at hand. We know what's ahead.

"We just have to worry about us. We can't worry too much about the other team. We have to know what we can do and what we're able to do.

"We have a lot of great guys. We have a great coaching staff. We're just mainly focused on us and then being able to execute."

Not giving away secrets:Pat Freiermuth is no stranger to opening week.

In his sixth season, he has experienced the energy, the excitement and the overall hype Week 1 brings.

"Ready to go," said Freiermuth. "It's going to be great. Opener at home. And we've got a good Atlanta team coming in.

"We're excited for the opportunity."

Fans are excited to see what Coach Mike McCarthy's offense is going to look like in 2026, but Freiermuth wasn't about to give any hints.

"I guess you'll find out Sunday," he said with a smile.

One thing he does know, and isn't shy talking about, is the challenge the Falcons defense will bring.

"Really good secondary," said Freiermuth. "I'm obviously familiar with Jesse (Bates), him being in with Cincinnati for a little bit. Heck of a player. All-Pro type of player. He's the core of what they want to do on defense. We're going to definitely be cautious of him throughout the game and where he is. And obviously they've got (Xavier) Watts back there and A.J. (Terrell Jr.).

"They've definitely got a good secondary. They're stout up front. So, it's going to be a challenge for us."

A challenge, yes, but one McCarthy will have them prepared for, which is part of the message he is sharing with his team.

"Just do what we've been doing in camp and OTAs," said Freiermuth. "Trust our technique. Week 1, there's going to be a lot of stuff that we haven't seen on film, but we've just got to rely on our technique and understand what we're supposed to do and adjust to what they're doing."

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