Jordan DeFigio, @fidgenewton
It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now ready and rested thanks to an unexpected bye week, they look to improve their record to 4-0 this Sunday as they take on interstate rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles.
The game is tomorrow at 1:00 PM EST and is the first of the season that will be open to fans. Here's what we can expect:
MATCHUPS AT A GLANCE
The Eagles have had their fair share of trouble this season, getting off to a 1-2-1 start and riddled with injuries. Their offense has yet to find a rhythm, and the verdict is still out on whether Carson Wentz is a quarterback whose basket is worth putting all of their long-term chips in. Either way, it isn't like he has a whole lot of support around him. With wide-receivers Alshon Jeffrey, DeSean Jackson, and Jalen Reagor all sidelined injuries (basically the entirety of their receiving core), and a running back group of Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, and Corey Clement having little impact, they really are proving that no one man can be an island. It will be no surprise if our front seven overwhelm their line and hold them to under 100 yards on the ground. But there isn't much concern about the play of TJ Watt, Bud Dupree, Cam Heyward, Tyson Alualu, Stephon Tuitt, and even rookie Alex Highsmith. Where the waters get a little murky is in the secondary. So here's hoping that our defensive backs can come alive, and that we'll see Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joe Haden, and Steven Nelson really take advantage of their young receivers.
The Eagles have also had quite a few injuries on defense, which has put a strain on their ability to pressure opposing offenses. Left tackle Fletcher Cox is one of the more prominent presences on the line, and former Steeler Javon Hargrave certainly gives them strength and agility. It really is a shame he couldn't have stayed in Pittsburgh, but it is what it is. And Alualu has stepped in nicely. Expect a warm pregame homecoming from fans for Hargrave. But as soon as the game clock starts, there will be no warm fuzzy feelings anymore. Just our guys and theirs.
JORDAN'S PREDICTIONS
For the first time in a long, long time, I feel in my gut that the Steelers are going to dominate this game. After an entire off-season spent being overlooked by national sports media, and now coming off of a bye due to a frustrating schedule shift, the guys just seem pissed. Ready. Focused. Hopefully, because of the emotion, a struggling opponent, and an extra few days rest, they will have their way with this game from the first whistle to the final down. I could see the score being something like 24-6 Steelers, since I still don't have complete confidence in our offensive coordinator's ability to exhibit any type of creative play-calling. But I do think this will be the game our secondary starts to dial in and click, finding their groove against an already-worn-down Eagles offense. I think Fitzpatrick will have his first turnover (either forced fumble or interception) this week, and I think we will hear little of Nelson, because his coverage will be so air-tight that Wentz will avoid targeting his side of the field all-together.
FINAL MUSINGS
The Eagles may be first in their division, but it is a weak division. Their 1-2-1 record is 19th in the league, and with their injuries they have little chance of making big-time plays. But that doesn't mean it can't happen. And we will see if the 5,500 fans that will be in attendance for the first time this season have any impact on the outcome. Another thing worth mentioning is the Steelers inability early in games to take control, being handedly outplayed by offenses and outsmarted by defenses. The main difference between this year's team and last year's team is (well, Ben Roethlisberger), and their ability to make the proper adjustments at halftime to gain momentum and take the win.
But, for tomorrow, it would be preferable if they set the tone and kicked ass for a full 60 minutes.
What are your predictions for the game tomorrow? Let us know in the comments below.
#SteelerNation
