Steelers defeat Falcons, 27-20

A brief look at the Steeler’s 27-20 victory over the Falcons

How the game was won: Powered by a 52-yard interception return by cornerback William Gay, the Steelers jumped out to a 20-7 first halftime lead. Pittsburgh opened with a 38-yard field on its opening drive. The Falcons stalled after Roddy White dropped a third down pass. The Steelers added a 38-yard field goal by Shaun Suisham. On the Falcons ensuing possession, Gay intercepted a passed intended for Harry Douglas. The Falcons answered with a touchdown drive to make it 13-7, but Roethlisberger led the Steelers back down on a 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. Running back Le'Veon Bell scored on a 1-yard touchdown run for the halftime margin. Without Jones, there would be no furious rally in this game.

Notable: Despite the defeat, the Falcons remain tied for first place in the NFC South with the New Orleans Saints. They currently own the tiebreaker over the Saints. … In addition to Jones, Falcons safety William Moore (foot) and cornerback Robert Alford (wristA) did not play in the game. … The Falcons appeared to benefit from a questionable roughing the passer penalty on Pittsburgh's Jason Worilds in the second quarter. After beating tight end Bear Pascoe, Worilds leveled Ryan… .Falcons right guard Jon Asamoah left the game in the second quarter with a back injury. He was replaced by Gabe Carimi. When the Falcons went to the Jumbo lineup, Harland Gunn game in at right guard Carimi played jumbo tight end. … Falcons wide receiver Roddy White moved into first place on the franchise's all-time touchdown list with a 4-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter: 1. Roddy White 62; 2. Michael Turner 61; 3. Terance Mathis 57; 4. Andre Rison 56 and 5. Gerald Riggs 48.