STEELERS (2-0) VS. EAGLES (2-0)
SUNDAY, 4:25 P.M. ET, LINCOLN FINANCIAL FIELD, PHILADELPHIA uTV: CBS, DIRECTV 717
Announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson
About the Steelers: The Steelers established themselves as the favorite in the AFC North with a resounding victory against the Cincinnati Bengals last weekend, and they did it the old-fashioned Pittsburgh way — with defense, a relentless running game and the long ball. The defense has been the star of the Steelers’ young season, allowing two touchdowns and 16 points per game. CB
shadowed Bengals star WR A.J. Green all over the field and held him to two catches for 38 yards. The defense allowed Pittsburgh to survive an off day from QB
who threw two interceptions and had trouble connecting with star WR
Most eyes will be on rookie QB but there’s a lot more to see. WR continues his quest to establish himself as a legitimate No. 1 receiver. He has 185 yards over two games. The defense potentially is one of the strongest in the NFC. The Eagles could be without TE (ribs) and CB
(hamstring), who missed Monday night’s game with injuries. If Ertz sits out, versatile special teams star will get another shot to make an offensive splash, while McKelvin’s absence would open the door for rookie CB to get playing time.
Williams, 33, heads into Week 3 as the NFL rushing leader with 237 yards and two touchdowns. He also has 10 catches for 66 yards and Linebacker Ryan Shazier led the Steelers with 11 tackles against the Bengals.
a touchdown as the short-term replacement for suspended The defensive line and linebackers are the keys to the Eagles defense. Immovable DT and active MLB lead the way.
In his third season, the 24-year-old linebacker continues to make strides. He is the undisputed leader of a defense that has been the Steelers’ driving force. He rang up 11 tack-
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
les against the Bengals and stopped RB Jeremy Hill for a 2-yard loss on first-and-goal from the 1 with Cincinnati trying to close within four late in the third quarter. The Bengals wound up kicking a field goal and didn’t score again.
The Steelers are running the ball and stopping the run. Pittsburgh’s 66 rushing attempts and 135.5 yards per game rank among the NFL leaders. The defense allows 50.5 rushing yards per game and 3.4 yards per carry.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Wentz he came: Wentz has looked like a No. 2 overall draft choice in his first two games, but rookies often have fits and starts. He has shown he has the tools, but turning that into success and victory against Pittsburgh’s rugged defense is a lot to ask.
Even with Bell and WR suspended, the Steelers have plenty of ways to hurt defenses. Take last Sunday. Brown managed to catch only four of his 11 targets for 39 yards, but young WR made catches of 53 and 44 yards to set up TDs, and TEs and caught scoring passes. Coates is averaging 38.3 yards on his four catches this season.
3. Playmakers on D: The Eagles defense is built around big playmakers. Cox, S
S CB and MLB are capable of blowing up plays or taking the ball the other way.
Andy Friedlander