Game Grades: Evaluating Eagles Vs Steelers
The Philadelphia Eagles are now 3-0 for the second time in three years with their latest victory coming in blowout fashion. That’s right, the so called “battle of Pennsylvania” was no battle at all. The Eagles beat the Steelers 34-3 yesterday to show that their first two games were no fluke. Not only were the Steelers favored to win this game, but they are also considered Super Bowl favorites across the league. The Eagles offense continues to grow as Carson Wentz threw for his first 300+ yard game while once again, not committing a single turnover. The defense dominated this game from the opening kickoff. Not only are the Eagles now in sole possession of first place in the NFC East, but they are one of only five teams that remain undefeated (Ravens, Patriots, Broncos, and Vikings). The Eagles have scored the second most points in the NFL (92) while also giving up the fewest (27). If you weren’t already on “The Wentz Wagon”, now is your chance to hop on, or at least get the heck out of the way. Further down, we will look more in depth on The Eagles performance yesterday on offense, defense, special teams, and give out our game ball winners.
Offense: The Eagles high flying offense put up 29+ points for the third straight game for the first time since 2014 (Weeks 1-3). The offensive line provided solid protection all game, and did not allow any sacks. Carson Wentz added to his rookie of the year campaign by completing 23-31 (74.1%) of his passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns. Over three games now, Wentz is 66 for 102 (64.7%), throwing for 769 yards, five touchdowns, and still has yet to turn the ball over. The Eagles jumped out to an early 10-0 lead, and headed into halftime up 13-3. Then came the second half. Wentz side stepped a blitz on a 3rd and 8 during the first drive of the third quarter and floated a pass to running back Darren Sproles for a 73-yard touchdown.
Eagles quarterback Carson Went (11) celebrates a 73-yard touchdown with Darren Sproles (43).
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Wentz could’ve ran for six or seven yards but, like a veteran, kept his poise and kept the play alive. Wentz stated after the game, “I try to always get the ball in those guys’ hands since they are faster than me.” The quarterback did get some extra help from his running game, as the Eagles rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Wendell Smallwood had 17 carries for 79 yards (4.64 YPC) while Kenjon Barner added 42 yards on 8 carries (5.25 YPC). The tight ends held steady both in the run and pass games, while the wide outs continue to improve week by week. Tight end Trey Burton and wide receiver Dorial Green Beckham each had their fair share of drops, yet the performance was their most consistent of the season.
Final Grade: A
Defense: What a difference a year makes. We all know the Eagles changed from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3. We also know that Billy Davis was fired and the respected Jim Schwartz took over in his place. But to say this move was an upgrade is a heavy understatement. The Eagles have now given up only 27 total points in three games this year (9.0 PPG), and special teams allowed 7 of them. Not only is Jim Schwartz’s defense fourth in total yards allowed, but they are number one in scoring defense.
Eagles Nose Tackle Bennie Logan celebrates a sack.
James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles sacked Ben Roethlisberger four times, while intercepting a pass and forcing a fumble too, thanks to Rodney McLeod and Fletcher Cox. The front four were absolutely spectacular, getting consistent pressure on Big Ben while only needing to rush four. Antonio Brown finished the game with 12 catches for 140 yards on 18 targets. Yet, The Eagles defensive backs, including a strong performance by Malcolm Jenkins, kept Brown “in check”, being one of the league’s top two receivers. As for the rushing defense (2nd best in NFL), Philadelphia held the Steelers to 29 yards on 10 carries while winning every battle in the trenches and dominating the line of scrimmage. This Eagles defense shut down one of the most explosive offenses in the league and held them to only three total points. An overall sensational performance for Jim Schwartz and company.
Final Grade: A+
Special Teams: The Eagles special team’s performance brought back memories of the last two seasons, as nose tackle Bennie Logan blocked Chris Boswell’s kick on the opening drive of the game. Not only did it prevent The Steelers from scoring, but it brought the crowd alive as well. Caleb Sturgis made all of his extra points while going 2/2 on field goals (29 and 38 yards).
Final Grade: A
Summary: I usually don’t give out all A’s when evaluating The Eagles because I don’t want to sound too much like a homer, but how can you not after a game like this? Expect this to be one of Philadelphia's best performances this year. The Eagles dominated from start to finish on all three phases of the game. They have proved they are not only to be a threat in the NFC East, but a force to be reckoned with in the entire NFC.
Game Balls:
- Darren Sproles: 6 Rec / 128 / 1 TD
- Fletcher Cox: 5 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, and 1 Forced Fumble
- Carson Wentz: 23/31, 301 yards, 2 TD, 1 rush for 10 yards.
Injuries:
- Ryan Mathews left the game in the 1st quarter due to Ankle Stiffness.
-Both CB Leodis McKelvin and TE Zach Ertz are expected to return week 5 after the bye week.
Next Game: The Eagles have a bye this week, then take on The Lions in Detroit at 1:00 PM ET.
Written By: Thad Brown
Edited By: Matthew Solof
