The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t won in Philadelphia since 1965. They continued that trend in week 15, losing to the Eagles 27-13 to drop them to 10-4 on the season, leaving just one game between Pittsburgh and Baltimore. The Steelers did get one win in week 15, clinching a playoff berth with a loss from the Dolphins and Colts. The Steelers have officially punched their ticket to the dance; now it’s time to make sure they get to host.
The injury bug invaded the Steelers’ week 15 matchup with the Eagles. Steelers leading tackler DeShon Elliott was forced to sit with a hamstring injury. Larry Ogunjobi and George Pickens were also missing, leaving a hole on both sides of the ball. TJ Watt left in the fourth quarter with a low ankle sprain, scaring Steelers fans worldwide. Reports suggest that it won’t be a long-term injury for the heart and soul of the Steelers. Donte Jackson also left with a back injury.
Pittsburgh’s elite defense stood tall in the first half before gassing out in the second half. It seemed they were on the field all night. The offense couldn’t find a rhythm all night. The Steelers finished with 163 total yards, their fewest in a game since September 19, 2010, when they had 127 total yards. The Eagle’s defense won in the trenches, and Pittsburgh felt the pressure.
The Steelers had momentum, driving down the field in the second half before a toss play between Russell Wilson and Najee Harris went wrong, resulting in a fumble for the Eagles to snatch. At that point, it was 20-13 Eagles, but the touchdown that ensued was the dagger. The Eagles ended the game on a ten-minute drive that started on their three-yard line and went 87 yards.
Before he got injured, soon-to-be Defensive Player of the Year TJ Watt was leaving his mark on the game with five solo tackles, a tackle for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. Alex Highsmith added six solo tackles, two for loss, and one for sack. Mark Robinson forced a fumble on a punt return by Cooper Dejean, but they could only turn it into three points.
Chris Boswell went two for two on-field goals, bringing him to 38 on the season. He needs just six field goals to tie David Akers’s single-season record 44. He’s 33, in his tenth season with the Steelers, and aging like a fine wine. The Wizard of Boz has been the Steelers MVP this season.
The AFC North is spotlighted in this year’s in-season edition of HBO’s Hard Knocks, giving the nation unfiltered access to the toughest division in football. It’s fitting that the Steelers and Ravens game in Baltimore in week 16 will be for all the marbles in the AFC North. The season’s most important game for both teams will be on display for the entire nation.
The Ravens are coming off a 35-14 route against the Giants in week 15, with Lamar Jackson firmly in the MVP discussion. The Steelers have won four straight games in Baltimore, and they’ll have to extend the streak to five if they want to be AFC North champions. Pittsburgh locked up a playoff spot with some help in week 15, but getting home-field advantage in the treacherous NFL playoffs will be crucial.
The Steelers’ loss in Philadelphia doesn’t mean much. They still can make noise in the AFC and win the division. Pittsburgh has to flush the loss and get ready for the Ravens. The Steelers have won eight out of their last ten against Baltimore, but when these two teams meet, you throw out the record books. It will be an old-fashioned AFC North dogfight, and this time, it’s for all the marbles.
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