"The Falcons' trip to Heinz Field to open the 2010 season was fruitful.

After standing up to the rugged Pittsburgh Steelers in a hard-fought 15-9 overtime loss, the Falcons went on to win 12 of their next 13 games on their way to the NFC South championship.

The Falcons hope their meeting with the Steelers in the key third exhibition game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, which will serve as their dress rehearsal for the 2011 season, can propel them on a similar run to start the new season.

"We have an opportunity here to go against a great defense," tight end Tony Gonzalez said. "It's a good chance to see how we stack up."

The Falcons' first-team units have sparkled in the two exhibition games. The starters built a 17-0 lead against Miami and helped forge a 13-3 margin against Jacksonville.

Last season against the Steelers, the offense managed only three field goals from kicker Matt Bryant. Running back Michael Turner was held to 42 yards on 19 carries, and Gonzalez caught two passes for 35 yards. All-Pro wide receiver Roddy White caught 13 passes for 111 yards.

Saturday is the Steelers' tune-up game, too, and the defending AFC champions want to toss their A-game on the field. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan would like to see the Falcons' running game get rolling against the Steelers, who had the No. 1-ranked run defense (62.8 yards per game) last season.

"Pittsburgh is certainly notorious for being stout against the run," Ryan said. "They've got some talented guys in that front seven. Again, in the preseason, it really is nice to have a good physical test like this. It's going to get us right for when we gear up and go in September."

The Falcons believe they are taking more offensive firepower to Pittsburgh this time. They added wide receiver Julio Jones in a big draft-day trade with the hope of adding more long-gainers to the attack."