After the game on Sunday, Pittsburgh Steelers third-year wide receiver, Chase Claypool uttered some frustration in regards to the offense not throwing the ball deep very often. It's something that's really been lacking in the team's offense over the last couple of years, especially in the past two under offensive coordinator, Matt Canada. While Claypool said it wasn't a direct shot at the play-calling, Canada is held responsible for the lack of big plays.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Quarterback Kenny Pickett did attempt a deep ball to Claypool in the Week 7 loss against the Miami Dolphins. The play resulted in an interception, as Claypool got tangled up with a Dolphins defender and fell to the ground. Star wideout, Diontae Johnson, echoed a similar message on Wednesday when speaking to the media:
"I believe we're going to go down the field more this week, and hopefully the rest of the season because we got the guys that can make the plays down the field. We just got to throw it up and give us a chance."
While this would be the perfect weekend to get the big plays going with the team sitting at 2-5, it may be pretty difficult. The Steelers face the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles, who possess arguably the best cornerback duo in the NFL. That is, veterans Darius Slay and James Bradberry, who head the best pass defense in football.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) scores his fourth touchdown of the game with Philadelphia Eagles free safety Rodney McLeod (23) defending, on a 35-yard pass play from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger during the second half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. Credit: Don Wright/AP
The Eagles' pass defense is first in yards allowed and second in yards per attempt and completion percentage allowed. Philadelphia's nine interceptions are also second in the NFL, trailing just the opportunistic secondary in the Buffalo Bills. In essence, it will be very tough for the Steelers to get their passing game going this weekend, as Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense isn't the only thing for head coach Mike Tomlin to worry about.
Philadelphia's secondary is quite different than the last time the Steelers saw them. It was in 2020 at Heinz Field (at the time), where the black and gold won 38-29. Claypool, a rookie then, finished with four touchdowns on the day, still the best game of his career. Steeler fans would welcome another performance like that this weekend.
What do the Steelers need to do to upset the Eagles on Sunday? What should be their plan of attack against the Eagles' pass defense? What are your predictions for the game? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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