Steelers play Eagles today
Here come the unbeaten Steelers from Western Pennsylvania, crossing the Keystone State to meet the unbeaten Eagles.
They only play every four years, but how cool it is that each is 2-0 and looking strong when they meet today?
Even without star running back Le’Veon Bell and emerging receiver Martavis Bryant — Bell finishes his three-game league suspension this weekend, while Bryant is suspended for the entire season — Pittsburgh’s offense has hummed. DeAngelo Williams leads the NFL in rushing in his 11th pro season, Antonio Brown is the game’s most dangerous wideout, and Ben Roethlisberger is making big plays.
“They don’t ask for a birth certificate before the game,” Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz says of the 33year-old Williams.
“They don’t give you 9 yards (to gain a first down) if you are over 30. You’ve still got to get 10. He’s a patient runner, he’s compact, and he’s strong. He can test every area of your run gaps.”
The Steelers don’t have many run gaps; their rush defense ranks second. So Philly might need to rely once more on rookie quarterback Carson Wentz. He’s made a strong debut in wins over Cleveland and Chicago, but Pittsburgh isn’t anything like those two tailenders.
Eagles coach Doug Pederson pays Wentz quite a compliment when asked
Pittsburgh’s DeAngelo Williams (left) and Antonio Brown celebrate after a touchdown. Williams leads the NFL in rushing yards while Brown is the game’s most dangerous wideout.
if he saw some Roethlisberger in the second overall draft pick.
“Little bit, little bit,” Pederson says.
“Carson has the ability to extend plays with his legs. Ben is big, strong, physical in the pocket, hard to bring down and continues to have great vision down the field.
“I think that’s one thing File, Jared Wickerham /
with Carson’s strength is he continues to have that vision down the field when things begin to break down.
“So, yeah, there are a lot of similarities there. The fact that they’re both very good throwers outside the pocket is a tribute to both of them.”
As would be a 3-0 record. The Associated Press
The action began Thursday night with New England’s 27-0 home victory over Houston.
Brissett started in place of Jimmy Garoppolo, who was inactive because of an injured right shoulder. It was the first time since Drew Bledsoe in 1993 that New England had started a rookie quarterback.