The Philadelphia Eagles are now on a nine-game winning streak, as they continue to be one of the hottest teams in the NFL. They’ll attempt to keep their hot streak alive against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15, who have won seven of their last eight games.
In the latest edition of my Eagles mailbag, I’ll discuss Philadelphia’s matchup against Pittsburgh, Jake Elliott’s kicking struggles, and much more regarding the team moving forward.
@AlexWhiteNoise asked, “What are the key position battles that concern you for the Eagles the most this week versus the Steelers?”
The key position battle that stands out the most to me would be Jalen Hurts versus Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Philadelphia’s offense has played against the seventh-highest rate (45.8%) of single-high safety looks this season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
Meanwhile, the Steelers defense has aligned in single-high safety looks at the second-highest rate (63.7%) this season. Fitzpatrick’s ability to diagnose plays and continue to be one of the best safeties in the NFL allows Pittsburgh to rely on those single-high looks.
Saquon Barkley has averaged 6.8 yards per carry against single-high, the most by any running back with at least 100 carries against single-high in a season since 2016. The Steelers defense has allowed the 10th-fewest yards per carry (3.9) and a league-low -72 rushing yards over expected to opposing running backs when defending the run with single-high
Therefore, Sunday’s matchup could come down to Hurts versus Fitzpatrick through the air. If Barkley is unable to get going against Pittsburgh’s single-high defense in Week 15, it might be the perfect time for Hurts and A.J. Brown to showcase their connection.
@sassysachin asked, “Do you think Jake Elliott’s issues with 50+ yard field goals might be a concern against a strong Steelers defense, especially if the passing game doesn’t get back on track?”
Jake Elliott should be a concern right now, regardless of who the Eagles are playing. He has made just 75.0% of his field goal attempts in 2024, which is fifth-lowest among full-time starting kickers this season.
Elliott is 0-5 when kicking from 50+ yards, although he has also missed one kick from 40+ yards and one extra point attempt. While the Eagles have been able to survive Elliott’s struggles, it could hurt them in Week 15.
Meanwhile, Steelers kicker Chris Boswell has been near automatic in 2024. Boswell has made 92.3% of his field goal attempts this season, including 11-13 from 50+ yards.
If both the Steelers and Eagles continue to play defense at a high level on Sunday, it could come down to the matchup between Elliott and Boswell. Based on how each kicker has performed this season, Pittsburgh appears to have a clear advantage in that area.
@CMPXMV asked, “Before the last game we were seen as juggernauts like the Bills and Lions. Should we still be considered juggernauts or is this a case of ‘showing a god can bleed’ and we’re now downgraded to ‘really good team, probably divisional round’?”
I believe it’s easy to be reactionary after every close win or loss, especially in today’s social media driven world. But I truly don’t believe that the Eagles were necessarily exposed by the Panthers in Week 14.
Carolina played several close games leading up to last week, including three-point losses to both the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If anything, the Panthers weren’t getting enough credit ahead of their game in Philadelphia, likely due to their record.
While the Lions continue to be viewed as the team to beat in the NFC, I don’t believe the Eagles are far behind Detroit. If Philadelphia is able to defeat the Steelers in Week 15, we won’t be hearing much about the team’s close win against the Panthers.
@MrEd315 asked, “Should anyone in the Eagles organization deserve coal from Santa?”
Although the Eagles are 11-2, there are still a few players that might receive coal from Santa Claus in 2024. The first player is an obvious choice, which would be everyone’s favorite defensive back, Avonte Maddox.
While it initially appeared as though the Eagles were moving on from Maddox in the offseason, he returned to Philadelphia on a one-year deal. Yet nearly every time that Maddox has stepped on the field, he has made a frustrating mistake or was called for a penalty.
Another candidate that could receive coal in their stocking is Bryce Huff. After signing a three-year, $51.1 million contract with the Eagles in free agency, many thought he would be the team’s leading edge rusher.
Yet Huff struggled to begin the regular season in Philadelphia and never truly looked comfortable in Vic Fangio’s defense. His role on the team’s defense began to decline each week, as he recorded just 14 total pressures in 10 games before landing on injured reserve with a wrist injury.
@Michael93826345 asked, “Hate to ask this but if we don’t win this year is next year our last before we have to rebuild? Because Jalen Hurts’ contract will catch up to us plus guys like Lane Johnson will be gone.”
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has done a really good job of positioning this team for long-term success. Philadelphia’s defense is one of the youngest units in the NFL and the team’s offensive weapons are all relatively young as well.
While the Eagles certainly need to invest in Lane Johnson’s eventual replacement, possibly even in the 2025 NFL Draft, they are built for long-term success. Especially after nailing the Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean selections in the 2024 NFL Draft.
It’s worth noting that the Eagles will have an extra third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, thanks to the Haason Reddick trade. Therefore, Roseman should be able to add pieces to the team’s roster without having to embrace a full blown rebuild.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
