A season of high expectations begins with a thud for the Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) loses the ball as he is hit by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

A season of high expectations began with a thud for the Atlanta Falcons.

Kirk Cousins struggled in his debut, hardly looking like a $180 million quarterback. Mercedes-Benz Stadium was sold out, but sounded more like Pittsburgh South at times. And even with the Steelers forced to go with their backup quarterback, they prevailed 18-10 on Sunday.

One week into the 2024 campaign, the Falcons find themselves in a familiar place.