March 23, 2023

Hey, the Phils aren’t the only dominant team in Philly! Steelers @ Eagles Game Preview

Monica Herndon/Philadelphia Inquirer

The expectations going into this year were pretty high, but not this high. Coming off the bye week, the Eagles remain as the NFL’s only undefeated team. They have a 6-0 record and are favorites in their seventh game of the 2022 season. The Steelers have a 2-5 record and are coming off a tough loss to the Dolphins in week seven.

The intrastate rivalry is always a fun one!

Here are the storylines:

Can The Eagles’ defense stay elite?

The Eagles’ defense has been great as of late. Their defense is headlined by the dynamic cornerback duo, Darius Slay and James Bradberry. The Eagles also went out and got a new pass rusher, Robert Quinn. The 12-year veteran had one of his best seasons last year with 18.5 sacks and 43 tackles (32 solo, 11 ast). With a slow start to the season, the Eagles look to fit him in the defensive line and maybe give some 2017 Chris Long vibes.

Outside of the 35 points the Eagles’ defense let up in their week-one win over Detroit, they have not allowed more than 21 since. James Bradberry, a free agent signed by the Eagles in the offseason, has been an outstanding piece to this defense, who’s in store for a big paycheck when his contract expires.

When discussing the Birds’ defense, you can’t go without talking about Darius Slay. Slay has 3 interceptions, which is tied for third in the league. He also has seven passes defended and 14 solo tackles. He is the main source of life on the defensive side of the ball and looks to lead the Eagles to their seventh win on Halloween Eve.

Can Hurts Stay Hot?

Jalen Hurts has been a top 3 quarterback so far this season, and quite frankly, he’s fixed the script in the Eagles’ offense. He has 12 total touchdowns (6 passing, 6 rushing) and has only thrown two interceptions. He is second in the MVP, only behind Bills’ quarterback, Josh Allen. The Eagles have one of the top offenses in the league, and they definitely have the best second-quarter offense in the league, which is when they’ve been most productive.

Not to downplay their historic second-quarter success, but it might be time for the Eagles to carry over their success into the second half. In a few games this season, most recently against the Cowboys in week six, it appeared they took their foot off the pedal late in the game, making the end too close for comfort. A more consistent offensive approach would separate them from other teams and would help them win big games. Hurts has the leadership and the athleticism to do so, and the expectations for Philadelphia are only going up.

Injury Report

Steelers

Injured Reserve:

WR Calvin Austin III (foot)

S Damontae Kazee (arm)

DE DeMarvin Leal (knee)

CB Carlins Platel (lower body)

S Karl Joseph (ankle)

WR Anthony Miller (shoulder)

RB Jeremy McNichols (shoulder)

LB T.J. Watt (knee)

Out:

DT Larry Ogunjobi (knee)

CB Levi Wallace (shoulder)

K Chris Boswell (groin)

CB Josh Jackson (groin)

Eagles

Injured Reserve:

DE Jamarius Robinson (ankle)

DE Derek Barnett (knee)

Out:

TE Tyree Jackson (knee)

OT Brett Toth (knee)


Kickoff: 1pm ET

Watch: CBS

Listen: 94.1 WIP

Public Bet on Moneyline (Per Caesars Sportsbook): 90% in favor of Eagles

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