NFL Predictions: Week 3 Picks and Hot Takes
By Joe Wedra
Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles, 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, CBS
Eagles
Ah, the first true test. Philly fans can be stoked until kickoff, but these three hours on Sunday should provide an excellent look at the legitimacy of their team’s ability to get the job done against postseason contenders.
Philadelphia as a whole is no joke. They’ve clearly improved and grown throughout the offseason, seemingly a testament to the job Doug Pederson is going at the helm. The young threats that Wentz will be able to develop with are incredibly talented, while the running game is a work in progress that should improve with time. Offensively, it seems they’re at-least settled into have a productive season for Wentz’s rookie campaign. On defense, the test becomes very real against Pittsburgh.
It’s unnecessary to run through the sheer brilliance of the Steelers offense, especially after a mighty impressive first two weeks. It’s not an overreaction – this offense, mid-season, might be as good as any we’ve seen in the Ben Roethlisberger era. They’re scary good, and Philadelphia presents a matchup that shouldn’t be difficult to figure out. There’s firepower everywhere in Todd Haley’s offense. Whether through the air or via the rushing attack, yards are going to be put up on Sunday. The key here is cashing in on opportunities when they arise.
The gaudy numbers will be available for compiling – on third downs in Philadelphia territory, putting up six and not settling for the field goal must be the objective. Heck, it’s safe to say Mike Tomlin isn’t afraid to sign off on keeping that offense on the field on fourth downs. Don’t expect anything less on Sunday.
Steelers knock off Eagles in big win, 29-23.