For the primary time this complete season, the Philadelphia Eagles are taking part in a second straight recreation at Lincoln Financial Field.
The Birds will probably be internet hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers, who haven’t received in Philly in almost 60 years.
In order to preview this Week 15 tilt, I reached out to our same-state enemies over at Behind The Steel Curtain. The revered Ryland Bickley kindly took the time to reply my questions on this upcoming tilt. Let’s check out the solutions. [For my answers about the Eagles, stay tuned to BTSC.]
1 – The Steelers might be with out George Pickens. How huge of a loss is that and what’s the plan to function with out him?
It’s an enormous loss. Pickens is THE man within the Steelers’ passing recreation and the one true famous person on offense. The Steelers don’t have anybody near his stage within the large receiver room. That being mentioned, Pittsburgh nonetheless managed to place up 27 factors after he was surprisingly dominated out towards the Browns, and with an entire week to arrange, I count on offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to have a greater gameplan for enjoying with out Pickens towards the Eagles.
The Steelers leaned closely on the run recreation and deep photographs to Pickens earlier this season, however lately Russell Wilson has added extra depth to his quarterback play with a better emphasis on intermediate and center of the sector throws. He’s additionally been distributing the ball properly to Pittsburgh’s group of pass-catchers, which has some expertise together with the blazing quick Calvin Austin III and tight finish Pat Freiermuth, who’s caught a landing in every of the Steelers’ final two video games. All three of Pittsburgh’s prime operating backs are succesful pass-catchers as properly. If Wilson can proceed to play properly, I feel the Steelers can survive this week.
But if you happen to’ve been watching the Steelers on “Hard Knocks,” you’d know Mike Tomlin has been preaching not simply surviving, however thriving. And the important thing to the Steelers thriving with out Pickens is large receiver Mike Williams lastly turning into an enormous a part of the offense. He was a commerce addition proper on the deadline who caught a game-winning landing in his first look as a Steeler, however he’s but to play a significant position within the gameplan; when it comes to snaps he was the WR5 final week.
However, Williams nonetheless managed three catches towards Cleveland, together with a lovely one-hander on a back-shoulder throw. He was additionally large open behind the protection at one level however was missed by a pressured Wilson. Williams’ isn’t too far faraway from his prime with the Chargers and has regarded like a starting-caliber participant in his restricted taking part in time. He has the skillset to function as “Pickens lite” over the following recreation or two, and if he can fill the contested catch position within the Steelers offense, the passing recreation may discover some success. Still, it’ll by no means be at full power with out Pickens.
2 – Russell Wilson has rebounded after some struggles in Denver. Why’s he been capable of have success and what’s the boldness stage in him proper now?
In some ways I feel it’s so simple as a change of surroundings. Denver, and extra particularly Sean Payton, simply didn’t mesh properly with Wilson. Pittsburgh and Mike Tomlin, however, have been an ideal match. Wilson appears like he’s having enjoyable, one thing that we by no means actually noticed throughout his time as a Bronco.
As for the soccer facet of issues, I already touched on a number of it in my earlier reply: Wilson’s early success in Pittsburgh was largely on account of him throwing a really catchable “moon ball” to Pickens. Recently, his mobility has returned following a nagging calf damage that sidelined him for the start of the season, and he’s began making nice performs out of construction once more. His confidence is sky-high and he’s seeing the sector properly and spreading targets round. His veteran savvy and skill to tweak performs on the line of scrimmage has additionally been a large growth, one thing the Steelers haven’t actually had of their offense since Ben Roethlisberger was the starter.
I feel the gradual enchancment of Pittsburgh’s offensive line has additionally performed a component in Wilson’s resurgence, though I feel Jalen Carter will probably be an enormous problem this week.
As for the boldness stage surrounding Wilson, followers are loving what he’s dropped at the workforce. Wilson’s play has even transformed those that wished to see Justin Fields proceed because the starter, myself included. Based on what we’ve seen up so far, I’d guess the Steelers carry him again for 2025.
3 – Pittsburgh leads the NFL in takeaways. What makes the Steelers’ protection so good, moreover simply T.J. Watt being superior?
Steelers basic supervisor Omar Khan has executed loads to bolster the depth of this protection, and it’s paid dividends. The Steelers most likely have the deepest group of edge rushers within the league, with perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate T.J. Watt, the Pro Bowl-caliber Alex Highsmith, after which starting-level backups within the lightning-quick Nick Herbig and skilled run defender Preston Smith.
At one level this season, Herbig had three straight video games with a compelled fumble. The Steelers preach turnovers being a part of their defensive tradition, and it’s extremely evident this season. Even throughout video games the place the Pittsburgh protection is giving up a number of huge performs, they nonetheless discover methods to make a few of their very own — towards Cincinnati, the Steelers gave up 38 factors however nonetheless managed 4 sacks, three turnovers, and a defensive landing.
Elsewhere on protection, the Steelers added some sideline-to-sideline velocity to their linebacker corps this offseason with the signing of Patrick Queen. New CB2 Donte Jackson has logged 5 interceptions this season, whereas CB1 Joey Porter Jr. has struggled with penalties currently however has largely been stable overlaying groups’ prime receivers. Minkah Fitzpatrick is the family title within the Steelers’ security room, however free agent addition DeShon Elliott has been a monster at sturdy security, logging 13 whole tackles and a cross defensed final week towards Cleveland. Elliott’s aggressive taking part in type has been a spark plug for the Steelers’ protection this season.
And I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out Cameron Heyward, who’s recorded a whopping eight sacks this season as a 35-year-old defensive lineman. He’s having an absurdly good season, even if you happen to take his age out of the equation.
The quick reply to my ramblings is that the Steelers protection has good gamers at each stage, and that’s contributed to their success this season. There are nonetheless loads of gripes, particularly concerning some inconsistent secondary play, however turnovers have helped the Steelers succeed even in “dangerous” defensive video games.
4 – What’s one matchup you particularly like within the Steelers’ favor and one other you suppose favors the Eagles?
I previewed the Eagles protection for BTSC and hoo boy is Jalen Carter having a superb season. The Steelers have two very promising rookies beginning at heart and proper guard in Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick, however Carter goes to be a problem. His measurement, energy, and insane athleticism may wreck the Steelers’ plans on offense. There are loads of different matchups that look to favor the Eagles on this recreation, however Carter versus the Steelers’ younger O-line is the one which has me probably the most anxious initially.
As for the opposite facet of issues, I’m not probably the most assured that the Steelers will match up properly towards the Eagles’ run recreation or large receivers, however I do just like the pass-rush’s matchup towards Jalen Hurts. As good because the Eagles’ weapons and O-line are, Hurts has seemingly hit a bit or a rut with three consecutive video games with properly underneath 200 passing yards heading into this week. He’s holding onto the ball for a very long time, and the Steelers’ pass-rushers, that are considerably higher than Carolina’s, ought to have the time to trigger some issues.
Pittsburgh has performed properly towards the NFL’s extra cell quarterbacks this yr, as properly. I feel they’ll have some success towards Hurts.
5 – Who wins this recreation and why? With the Eagles at present listed as 5.5-point dwelling favorites, what’s your rating prediction? And then what are your expectations for the remainder of this Steelers season?
The Steelers traditionally don’t play properly in Philadelphia. Without George Pickens, it’s going to be powerful for them to go score-for-score with the Eagles’ Saquon Barkley-led offense. I feel the Steelers preserve it shut however finally fall quick, 27-24 Eagles.
As for the remainder of the season? I’m bullish on this Pittsburgh squad and see them successful the AFC North. The Steelers have already crushed three groups within the AFC playoff image this season and in consequence, I see them making some noise within the postseason. Based on latest historical past, I nonetheless don’t see the Steelers making the Super Bowl, however this workforce has the items to make a run.
