The Pittsburgh Steelers are 10-3 as the group looks ahead to a monumental Week 15 showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. The cross-state rival is arguably the hottest team in the NFL, with nine straight victories. That streak almost came to an end in Week 14, however, when Philadelphia played too close of a game versus the inferior Carolina Panthers. The Eagles held on to win, but it can't be too comforting for fans in the City of Brotherly Love, especially with a determined Steelers team coming to town. It will be an extremely exciting matchup with plenty on the line.
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Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirianni stands on the sideline during a professional football contest.
The Steelers haven't been able to come away with a win in Philadelphia since 1965. That is a shocking stat given the consistency of Pittsburgh's franchise for so long. The Eagles have an incredibly effective rushing attack led by likely AP Offensive Player of the Year in Saquon Barkley. The two organizations last played in 2022, when Philadelphia dismantled Pittsburgh, 35-13.
Barkley will be the focal point when it comes to the Steelers' game-planning, but it's impossible to forget what AJ Brown did back in that 2022 contest. The receiver caught six passes for 156 yards and had three scores by halftime. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, the Pro Bowl wideout was less than pleased after the team's win over the Panthers. Speaking to the media, he had one word to describe what needs to get better for Philadelphia's offense.
"Passing," Brown said.
A reporter then asked Brown about the rhythm he would like to get into as a pass-catcher, and if it's difficult to do so when the Eagles are only passing the ball roughly 20 times per game. He was short and to the point again, with a tone of frustration.
"Incredibly tough," explained Brown.
It continued for the dominant receiver after being questioned about his conversations with quarterback Jalen Hurts. He pretty much said that the communication in-game is nonexistent.
"Not too much conversation honestly. I don't know," Brown said.
Philadelphia has one of the best rosters in the NFL, but it's never a good thing to have any player voice his frustration to the media after a team win. Brown destroyed the Steelers in 2022, and his attitude entering the big 2024 contest could loom large. Joey Porter Jr. will be tasked with handling the physical pass-catcher, and it will not be as easy job to complete.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A6118-544x306.jpg "Steelers Joey Porter Jr.")
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Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (#24) stands on the field at St. Vincent College during 2023 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
The Eagles are second-to-last in the NFL with just 2,348 passing yards in 2024. One wouldn't expect a team to be cruising at 11-2, but the rushing attack has been so strong that the lack of opportunities through the air has not been an issue. If Pittsburgh can get out to an early lead in a hostile environment and hone in on the run, it could create some issues and disadvantages for Philadelphia.
It will take a long week of practice for the Eagles to get Brown's head right for the big game on Sunday, and it's very possible he simply let his frustration get the best of him after the Panthers game. Overall, however, wide receivers want the football and any lack of opportunities for one of the league's best is going to cause a little bit of friction in any locker room. Brown displayed that on Sunday afternoon after hauling in just four catches for 43 yards.
Teryl Austin's defensive unit will have plenty of players and schemes to worry about on Sunday, but Porter having a goal of getting into Brown's head early could give the Steelers an unexpected advantage.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A9316-544x306.jpg "Steelers Teryl Austin")
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Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin walks on the field at St. Vincent College as the Pittsburgh practice during 2023 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers' Defensive Front Will Need To Hold Up Over Tough 11-Day Stretch
Pittsburgh will play three games in 11 days during what is arguably the toughest end-of-season stretch for any team throughout the NFL. Players have been vocal about this being unfortunate, but overall, if the team wants to host a playoff game, it all comes down to a brutal slate of December games. It all starts in Philadelphia and any advantage the Steelers can gain, including an upset Brown, will be pivotal.
Do you think that the Eagles will have this all sorted out by Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!
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