It was not perfect, but Aaron Rodgers started his final season on a positive note, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers past the Atlanta Falcons, 20-13, at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday. He also gave coach Mike McCarthy his first win with the Steelers.

After foregoing retirement, the 42-year-old Rodgers returned for a 22nd season, hoping to win another championship before he rides off into the sunset.

The veteran quarterback had a subpar start, but he did enough in crunch time to stave off the Falcons. He went 24-of-40 for 221 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions.

After the game, the four-time MVP lauded the unsung hero in their victory. It was not any of his teammates.

“Aaron Rodgers physically tipped his cap when asked how the Acrisure Stadium field held up after Pitt played yesterday in a deluge of rain: ‘Whoever’s doing the field, bravo. Bravo,'” wrote the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Chris Adamski.

Pittsburgh, the college team, defeated UCF, 12-7, on Saturday. The Panthers improved to 2-0 at Acrisure Stadium.

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Rodgers should also tip his hat to TJ Watt, who made a crucial pick-six in the fourth quarter. Playing in his 10th season, Watt leapt to intercept a pass from Cooper Rush and ran for 35 yards for the touchdown, giving the Steelers a nine-point lead, 19-10.

The 31-year-old Watt had four tackles, including three for loss, two sacks, and two quarterback hits.

The Steelers improved to 2-2 at home in Week 1 in the last 15 years, according to StatMuse.

Rodgers led their critical drive in the final quarter, completing three passes and making sure that they put the game out of reach for the Falcons.

Pittsburgh will visit the New England Patriots in Week 2.