Falcons Fell to Steelers After Missed Field Goals
Atlanta kicker Nick Folk struggled with missed attempts in a 20-13 loss at Acrisure Stadium.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Should a team keep a veteran kicker after he misses multiple field goals in one game?
The Atlanta Falcons opened their season with a 20-13 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kicker Nick Folk missed two field goal attempts, which impacted the scoring outcome.
Why it matters
The misses proved critical in a tight, one-possession game where every point significantly altered the competitive trajectory. Wind and playing conditions at the venue were cited as factors influencing the kicking performance.
Nick Folk, a 19-year NFL veteran, missed field goal attempts from 54 and 45 yards out. He successfully converted attempts from 51 and 43 yards during the second half.
The players
Nick Folk
He is a 19-year veteran of the NFL currently serving as the placekicker for the Atlanta Falcons.
Atlanta Falcons
This professional American football team represents the city of Atlanta and competes in the NFL.
Pittsburgh Steelers
This professional football team is based in Pittsburgh and plays its home games at Acrisure Stadium.
The details
Folk struck the ball wide right on both missed attempts during the contest. The Atlanta Falcons finished the game with an 0-1 record.
Timeline
The Falcons lost to the Steelers during Week 1.
The Falcons play the Panthers this Sunday.
Season Trajectory
The loss places the Falcons at 0-1, forcing the team to seek a rebound victory to stay competitive in the early NFC standings. Kicking accuracy remains a critical variable for teams looking to navigate tight margins in an increasingly defensive-minded league.
The Falcons begin their season at 0-1, meaning they must secure a win against the Panthers to avoid an 0-2 start. Fantasy managers should note the impact of environmental conditions at stadium venues on kicker scoring projections.
The takeaway
Reliable kicking is essential for teams aiming to convert drives into points during closely contested matchups. Fans and analysts should continue to monitor how venue-specific weather impacts special teams execution throughout the season.
Further reading
For ongoing coverage of the team's season, visit the Atlanta Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
Live Poll
Should a team keep a veteran kicker after he misses multiple field goals in one game?
