Cooper Rush Struggles With Two Interceptions in Spot Start

Atlanta Falcons backup quarterback Cooper Rush started Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. injured. Battling through his own back spasms, Rush struggled against an aggressive defense, completing 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions while taking four sacks in a 20-13 loss. His fourth-quarter pick-six to T.J. Watt proved costly despite hitting Bijan Robinson for a TD.