Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles: Week 3 Preview

An in-state rivalry fans don’t get to see enough of between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles in an NFL week three matchup.

Now NFC vs. AFC games may not hold quite the same importance as others, but when the two teams are good it can still be an exciting afternoon. The two teams features plenty of intriguing talent that should match up well. So who will come down with the victory? Here is the breakdown of what to expect.

Background:

Both Pennsylvania teams are undefeated and it’s never boring when they meet. The Eagles are riding high off two easy wins behind their rookie quarterback Carson Wentz. Pittsburgh flexed their muscles against two playoff teams from last season. This could be a major statement game for either side depending on the outcome. Will the Steelers send a message to the AFC or will the Eagles justify their bold move for Wentz with their biggest upset yet?

Injury Report:

Zach Ertz (rib) – The key tight end to the Eagles offense wasn’t needed in Chicago but sooner or later his presence will be missed. Word is his rib injury is bad enough to where he won’t return until after the bye week. That leaves a sizable gap the team will have to fill in order to keep on track offensively.

Ramon Foster (elbow) – Offensive line blocking is one of the biggest reason the Steelers have been able to remain so effective at score points despite missing key pieces like Le’Veon Bell and Martavis Bryant. So hearing that guard Ramon Foster is questionable to play because of an elbow is a loss that could throw a kink in the machine.

Key Matchup:

Jalen Mills vs. Antonio Brown

Thanks to a solid pass rush, rookie cornerback Jalen Mills enjoyed his first start in place of the injured Leodis McKelvin. Rest assured he’s about to bump things up to Insane difficulty. Antonio Brown hasn’t met a cornerback yet who can shut him down. Very few can even slow him down. Pittsburgh will do everything possible to get the superstar receiver matched up on the rookie. Mills better buckle the chip strap.

Prediction:  Steelers win 26-17

Carson Wentz is going to be a tremendous quarterback. He’s already playing above the level customary for rookies, but he’ll be going against a fast and creative Steelers defense. The bigger mismatch is that Pittsburgh passing attack facing the Eagles secondary. Ben Roethlisberger will get banged around a bit early but once he and Brown settle in, the Steelers will pull away.