The Eagles didn’t just beat the Steeelrs..they decimated them. The Eagles handed Pittsburgh their worst defeat since 1989 in what was an explosive showing. There is a certain electricity surrounding this team that hasn’t been felt for quite sometime..and while we have an entire week to analyze and break down the intricacies of the win..here are some instant takeaways.
Wentzylvania:
For the third consecutive week, Carson Wentz electrified the NFL. Throwing for 301 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 9.7 yards per pass. It would be easy to say how brilliantly Wentz played physically, but it was his mental toughness that stole the show.
The Steelers Defense is built to not surrender a big play..so, Wentz played smart, fed the ball underneath, dissected blitzes and played to the strengths of his system and himself. It’s very easy to get lost in the moment, get overconfident and take a risky shot downfield..but Wentz didn’t ever veer off the rails. A relaxed mentality helped lead his Offense to what was a simply dominant win.
Wentz is showing week in and week out that he isn’t just an athletic quarterback with a big arm. He’s a leader..and someone this team is already rallying behind.
The Eagles put all their chips on the table in order to draft Carson Wentz..and through a stunning turn of events, they’re in a position where a division win is a huge possibility.
Backfield versatility:
The Steelers shut down Giovani Bernard last week and the Eagles haven’t exactly flourished in the run game..so to beat them, the versatility of Darren Sproles and company was needed..and it provided.
The veteran running back led the team in receiving with 126 yards on six receptions, while helping the backfield put up 125 yards on the ground..something that was absolutely pivotal in moving the chains and keeping momentum.
The Eagles had been reluctant to rotate backs in the opening two weeks, but split the carries much more evenly in week 3, allowing for a more balanced and unpredictable Offense while causing nightmares for the Steelers.
Dominant Defense:
Shutting down the Steelers Offense was always going to be an almighty task..but one where the Eagles went above and beyond the Call of Duty. Allowing just TWENTY NINE rushing yards against the league leader in rushing, hitting Big Ben 8 times and sacking him 4 while forcing 2 fumbles and intercepting a pass..yeah, the Defense DOMINATED.
The Eagles dropped a lot of potential interceptions but made up for it with a decimating pass rush, prolific linebacker play and a big game from the birds Safety tandem. The motor never stopped, the aggression never faded and the team was unrelenting in wreaking havoc in the trenches.
Jim Schwartz, who never stepped off the gas, will be incredibly proud of his Defense today..who made their claim for a place among the league’s most feared units of 2016.
Doug Pederson’s identity:
If anybody is getting the gameball today, it should be Doug Pederson. The Eagles Head Coach is still undefeated (now 7-0 including preseason) but coached his finest game against the Steelers.
The Eagles had over 35 minutes of possession for the third consecutive game and even though the team had -1 rushing yards at the end of the opening quarter, the team never overcompensated and Pederson ensured his gameplan never changed..eventually fueling the Offensive fire.
Pederson continued to show his creativeness through a series of complex plays and rotations. The blueprint for the Offense may have its roots in Andy Reid’s system, but Pederson is turning it into something special.
Offensive line progress:
Jason Kelce still suffered a couple of penalties and there were some miscommunications, but the Eagles O-Line was beyond impressive in the team’s crushing victory. Wentz was given an abundance of time in the pocket, something that was absent during the first two games.
With a confidence in his Offensive line, Wentz was able to flourish in the pocket, stand tough and deliver some beautiful throws. Wentz wasn’t sacked at all and was hit just three times thanks to a sterling job by his Offensive line.
We know that the Eagles O-Line is strong in opening up the run game, as also shown tonight with some brilliant blocks from the likes of Jason Peters and Allen Barbre..but they really shone in pass protection which is a HUGE plus going forward.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
