Steelers to watch against Eagles in Week 15

The Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) travel in Week 15 of the 2024 NFL regular season to face the Philadelphia Eagles (11-2) on Sunday, December 15. In the midst of ‘December Football’ across the league, we took a look at the latest news and notes to present things Steelers fans should watch for in the latest battle for Pennsylvania.

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If no George Pickens, who steps up?

According to head coach Mike Tomlin, an MRI gave the Steelers staff a better idea of the receiver’s hamstring injury. “We’re just in the mindset now just getting him healthy as quickly as we possibly can,” Tomlin said on Tuesday. “There’s a potential for this week, but it’s an outside chance. If you press me, I’d probably say he’s out or could be characterized as doubtful as we sit here today.”

The Steelers played without Pickens in Week 14 and saw their overall offensive production drop-off just a bit in their win over the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers have been up and down, offensively, throughout the season, however, so saying it’s all due to Pickens not being in the lineup is a small reach.

Depth at wide receiver hasn’t been as big of an issue as fans – who wanted a big-name WR2 like Cooper Kupp or Brandon Aiyuk added to the roster – have bemoaned.

Quarterback Russell Wilson has worked with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to spread throws around, giving Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, Scotty Miller, Mike Williams, and Ben Skowronek more opportunities to contribute. Tight ends Pat Freiermuth, Connor Heyward, Darnell Washington, and MyCole Pruitt are also viable options in the passing game.

The Steelers offense will be looking for as many contributors as possible, so it’s likely that Wilson will be asked to manage the game by continuing to mix things up to the receivers available and look for mismatches as the Eagles defense presents them.

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Managing the game, tempo on offense

Through 14 weeks of play, the Eagles have jumped to the top tier of NFL defenses in defense yards average (284.2) and touchdowns allowed (25) per Fox Sports. Their pass defense allows an average of 178.5 yards per game but has given up 14 receiving touchdowns to opponents.

The Steelers will need a balanced offense to dictate the tempo, as well as supportive, complimentary play along the offensive line on Sunday. First, to give Wilson time to set up passing plays. Second, to provide the blocking up front to spring the trio of talented rushers they have in Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, and Cordarrelle Patterson.

The Eagles run defense is allowing an average of 105.8 yards of rushing to opponents through 14 games and have given up nine rushing touchdowns. While that is still among the top ten among all defenses in the league, it’s something Pittsburgh can work to their advantage.

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Working around injuries

The Steelers didn’t have many players on their injury list on Wednesday that weren’t given rest days. Larry Ogunjobi is dealing with a groin injury, DeShon Elliott had some “hamstring tightness”, and Donte Jackson is recovering from an illness that limited him in Week 13’s game.

“We’ll watch those guys, particularly in the early part of the week,” Tomlin stated. He did not rule any of the three as unavailable, yet.

The Steelers have had success working around injuries this season, keeping depth players ready should their names be called. Expectation should remain the same.

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Opportunities on defense

Surprisingly, the Eagles are ranked 31st in the league in passing offense. They’re averaging 180.6 yards per game and have 16 receiving touchdowns.

With the way Pittsburgh has been playing defensively, there are plenty of opportunities to limit how effective Philadelphia is on offense this weekend.

T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig are a scary, interchangeable, trio in pass rush that have a combined 18.0 sacks. Cameron Heyward, alone, has 8.0. That should put Eagles quarterback Jaylen Hurts on notice.

The Eagles know what they have in Saquon Barkley. He’s a powerful, talented back. If the Steelers defensive backfield can lock up receivers, like A.J. Brown, a one-dimensional offense should give Pittsburgh an edge, no pun intended.

The Steelers’ current takeaway margin is +15. They’ll be looking for opportunities against Philadelphia.

If the Steelers are able to win on Sunday, they’ll have punched their ticket for postseason play, so there’s extra emphasis on being steady and stingy for the defense this week.


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