For the primary time this whole season, the Philadelphia Eagles are taking part in a second straight sport at Lincoln Monetary Subject.
The Birds will probably be internet hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers, who haven’t gained in Philly in almost 60 years.
To be able to preview this Week 15 tilt, I reached out to our same-state enemies over at Behind The Metal 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 may very well 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 sport and the one true famous person on offense. The Steelers don’t have anybody near his stage within the broad receiver room. That being mentioned, Pittsburgh nonetheless managed to place up 27 factors after he was surprisingly dominated out in opposition to the Browns, and with a complete week to organize, I count on offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to have a greater gameplan for enjoying with out Pickens in opposition to the Eagles.
The Steelers leaned closely on the run sport and deep photographs to Pickens earlier this season, however just lately Russell Wilson has added extra depth to his quarterback play with a larger emphasis on intermediate and center of the sector throws. He’s additionally been distributing the ball effectively 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 working backs are succesful pass-catchers as effectively. If Wilson can proceed to play effectively, I believe the Steelers can survive this week.
However for those who’ve been watching the Steelers on “Arduous 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 broad receiver Mike Williams lastly changing 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; by way of snaps he was the WR5 final week.
Nevertheless, Williams nonetheless managed three catches in opposition to Cleveland, together with a good looking one-hander on a back-shoulder throw. He was additionally broad 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 seemed like a starting-caliber participant in his restricted taking part in time. He has the skillset to function as “Pickens lite” over the following sport or two, and if he can fill the contested catch position within the Steelers offense, the passing sport might discover some success. Nonetheless, it’ll by no means be at full energy 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 arrogance stage in him proper now?
In some ways I believe it’s so simple as a change of surroundings. Denver, and extra particularly Sean Payton, simply didn’t mesh effectively with Wilson. Pittsburgh and Mike Tomlin, alternatively, have been an ideal match. Wilson seems to be 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 loads 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. Not too long ago, his mobility has returned following a nagging calf harm 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 effectively and spreading targets round. His veteran savvy and talent to tweak performs on the line of scrimmage has additionally been a large improvement, one thing the Steelers haven’t actually had of their offense since Ben Roethlisberger was the starter.
I believe the sluggish enchancment of Pittsburgh’s offensive line has additionally performed a component in Wilson’s resurgence, regardless that I believe Jalen Carter will probably be an enormous problem this week.
As for the arrogance stage surrounding Wilson, followers are loving what he’s dropped at the staff. Wilson’s play has even transformed those that needed to see Justin Fields proceed because the starter, myself included. Primarily based on what we’ve seen up thus far, I’d guess the Steelers deliver 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 normal supervisor Omar Khan has achieved loads to bolster the depth of this protection, and it’s paid dividends. The Steelers in all probability have the deepest group of edge rushers within the league, with perennial Defensive Participant of the 12 months candidate T.J. Watt, the Professional 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 loads of huge performs, they nonetheless discover methods to make a few of their very own — in opposition to 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 pace 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 these days however has largely been stable masking groups’ prime receivers. Minkah Fitzpatrick is the family identify within the Steelers’ security room, however free agent addition DeShon Elliott has been a monster at sturdy security, logging 13 whole tackles and a move defensed final week in opposition to Cleveland. Elliott’s aggressive taking part in fashion 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 for those who take his age out of the equation.
The brief 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 relating to some inconsistent secondary play, however turnovers have helped the Steelers succeed even in “unhealthy” 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 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 might wreck the Steelers’ plans on offense. There are many different matchups that look to favor the Eagles on this sport, however Carter versus the Steelers’ younger O-line is the one which has me essentially the most frightened initially.
As for the opposite facet of issues, I’m not essentially the most assured that the Steelers will match up effectively in opposition to the Eagles’ run sport or broad receivers, however I do just like the pass-rush’s matchup in opposition to Jalen Hurts. Pretty much 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 effectively 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 effectively in opposition to the NFL’s extra cellular quarterbacks this yr, as effectively. I believe they’ll have some success in opposition to Hurts.
5 – Who wins this sport and why? With the Eagles at present listed as 5.5-point residence favorites, what’s your rating prediction? After which what are your expectations for the remainder of this Steelers season?
The Steelers traditionally don’t play effectively in Philadelphia. With out George Pickens, it’s going to be robust for them to go score-for-score with the Eagles’ Saquon Barkley-led offense. I believe the Steelers preserve it shut however finally fall brief, 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. Primarily based on current historical past, I nonetheless don’t see the Steelers making the Tremendous Bowl, however this staff has the items to make a run.
