Announcers: Jeem Nantz and Pheel Seems Annoyance factor: Ultimate. And this year he’s only been sacked twice in the first two weeks of the year, which, while not sustainable, would of course be his best mark ever. “It’s better to save it for Sunday than it is to risk it in practice right now”.
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Weather – or not?: Partly cloudy, 70.
NFL.com sees the game, 25-20, in favor of the Steelers.
The Steelers rank 31st in the league in pass defense, but that’s mostly because opponents have found little running room. Oh wait, the Eagles played the Browns and the Bears. Denver’s defense is hellacious once more, especially against the pass, ranking second. Stephen Tuitt (6.5 sacks last season) and Cameron Heyward (7) can be disruptive forces on the interior as well. These are the kinds of back and forth games that teams play from week to week.
New England dominated in all three phases of the game as the Patriots turned two Texans’ fumbles on kickoffs into 14 points.
Wentz has completed 43-of-71 passes (60.6 percent) for 468 yards and three touchdowns.
The Eagles hope Wentz can follow in their footsteps and deliver the same success the Steelers have enjoyed with Roethlisberger.
Yes, different o-line and different d-line for eagles, but I think that’s the key to this game. With all that said, I think the law of averages catches up with Carson Wentz and the Eagles this week. As stated above this is a big test for the Steelers offense and they may not score as much as they have been so far.
Eagles defense: Overall (4), Rush (10), Pass (5).
Long snap: It’s only two games into life A.H. Antonio Brown has been his stellar self, with tight end Jesse James and wide receiver Sammy Coates stepping up amongst others. They’re dynamic on offense, even without Le’Veon Bell, and their defense should be something unlike Carson Wentz has seen in his first two games. Not content to stand in space.
Top target Jordan Matthews is among the league leaders in receptions (13) and yards (185). Mathews may be the better choice if he can sneak in a red zone touchdown. “Once we get one, they’re gonna start coming and coming”. Play demeanor lacks desired fire and aggressiveness. Doesn’t handle power and movement in space as well as he needs to as a blocker. “He’s a great route runner”. Inconsistent adjusting to poorly thrown balls and making the tough catch.
So, was this scouting report accurate and Jones has grown up and been coached up dramatically in the NFL? Still, he was able to stay turnover-free and safe for the most part. The truth likely lies somewhere between those two, but either way, it’s example #1,456,732 of how the NFL Draft is a high-dollar crapshoot. The Eagles will need a strong run defense to stop the NFL’s leading rusher in DeAngelo Williams. We just have to focus on our job.
It’s safe to assume that you will not see Pittsburgh offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva protest during the national anthem Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
The offensive line has played well, but a big change looms as multiple sources indicate standout RT Lane Johnson has finally been suspended and is playing Sunday under appeal.
Still there are very few prognosticators around the country who like the Eagles in this one. With the offensive line, the emergence of Allie Villanueva was the final piece and the investments in Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro and Marcus Gilbert are paying huge dividends. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said it’s not about the size of the quarterback, but his mentality. The first set up rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett’s 27-yard touchdown run. The Eagles have Carson Wentz, who many have compared to Roethlisberger.
There may be a mirror between the two players before the game, but there is no question which quarterback rules the Keystone state. Johnson has been the team’s most consistent blocker, particularly in the pass game.
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Considering Wentz will face a stiff defence in Pittsburgh, which will give him plenty more fits than the Chicago Bears or Cleveland Browns did, it could be a tough day for the rookie.
