Steelers (2-0) vs. Eagles (1-1) - PREVIEW

Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) at Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)

Date: Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008

Kickoff: 4:15 p.m. (ET)

Site: Lincoln Financial Field (67,594) • Philadelphia, Pa.

Playing Surface: Natural Grass

TV Coverage: CBS-TV (locally KDKA-TV, channel 2)

Announcers: Jim Nantz (play-by-play) Phil Simms (color analyst)

Local Radio: Steelers Radio Network WDVE-FM (102.5)/WBGG-AM (970)

Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Tunch Ilkin (color analyst)

 

The Pittsburgh Steelers remain on the road and travel to Philadelphia this week, but we all know that Steeler nation is strong wherever we go and Philadelphia is not a far track to travel for the best fans in the NFL. Philadelphia owns the overall series record with 46 wins, 26 losses and 3 ties, however, the last time these two teams met was November 7, 2004 with the Steelers taking it 27-3. The Eagles were unbeaten at the time they met the Steelers.

This affair will pit two of the stronger teams in the NFL together. The Eagles are coming off an epic loss to the high flying Dallas Cowboys, whereas the Steelers, are coming off a victory of their own against the Cleveland Browns and Mother Nature.

 

Ben Roethlisberger comes into this game with the leagues leading passer rating with a 133.9 and “Fast” Willie Parker is coming off back to back 100+ yard games. The Eagles own the 1st ranked defence against the run, which will make it tough for Parker to gain his 3^rd straight 100 yard game, but I wouldn’t bet against Parker these days. Here are how the two teams stack up against each other statically:

 

PIT 23^RD OFF; PHI 2^ND DEF

PIT 9^TH RUN; PHI 1^ST VS. RUN

PIT 25^TH PASS; PHI 7^TH VS. PASS

PIT T-9^TH PTS; PHI 1^ST PTS ALLOWED

PHI 1^ST OFF; PIT 6^TH DEF;

PHI T-17^TH RUN; PIT 3^RD VS. RUN

PHI 1^ST PASS; PIT 11^TH VS. PASS

PHI 2^ND PTS; PIT 7^TH PTS ALLOWED

PHI T-11^TH TO/TA; PIT 2^ND TO/TA

Injury update

Defensive end Brett Keisel (calf), cornerback Deshea Townsend (heel) and linebacker Donovan Woods (hamstring) did not practice yesterday. Nose guard Casey Hampton returned to practice after limited participation Wednesday.

For the Eagles, guard Shawn Andrews (back) and center Jamaal Jackson (not injury related) did not take part in their workout.

The Steelers will undoubtedly need to contain Donovan McNabb, which is no easy feat, but if they can get to the shifty quarterback a few times, they may be able to control most of the game and come out with a 3^rd straight victory. This game just might be the game of the week.

Prediction: Steelers 24 Eagles 17

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Last post (s) by Jamie Van Dusen

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