The Steelers took a commanding lead and then had to hold off the Eagles for a hard-fought victory in the “Battle of Pennsylvania”. The game featured a breakout performance by Chase Claypool and the offense, and the defense had a bend but don’t break mentality making timely plays when needed.
Chase Claypool became the first rookie in club history and the first Steeler since Roy Jefferson to score four touchdowns in a game. Claypool had a two-yard end around that started the Steelers scoring. He also had a 32-yard touchdown reception, a five-yard screen touchdown reception and the game clinching 35-yard catch and run. He also was jobbed by the refs on a great catch, that was ruled a push off. Ray-Ray McCloud also contributed and once again proved why he made the team over Ryan Switzer. He had three catches and helped open the running game on a 58-yard reverse that completely caught the Eagle off guard. Running room was hard to find Sunday and the Eagles played stout run defense.
Ben Roethlisberger, despite being pressured, orchestrated a strong workmanlike performance. His production was less than spectacular but he managed the offense well, had no turnovers and made the throws he needed. Roethlisberger finished with an effective 239 yards and three touchdowns. Give credit to Randy Fichtner’s game plan, the Eagles pass rush was tough so the game plan was quick effective passes, screens and misdirection on the run. It worked and the Steelers put up their highest point total in the last two seasons.
The defense had another uneven performance and looked rusty after the early bye week. The tackling was suspect, and it led to several big plays including getting torched by Pittsburgh native Mike Sanders for 74-yards. There were several mistakes on the play by the Steelers. The run defense settled down and kept the Eagles under 100 yards on the ground. Stephon Tuitt doesn’t get the credit he deserves; he was a huge force in yesterday’s game and despite paltry stats, was a major factor in the win. Cam Heyward, and Tuitt provided a huge push up the middle and allowed the linebackers to make plays. T.J. Watt had an early sack and Bud Dupree contributed with a late sack, there were several opportunities, but the Steelers had trouble corralling Carson Wentz.
The secondary struggled most of the game, Mike Hilton was torched by Travis Fulghum and he ate the Steelers up with 10 catches and 152 yards. Wentz was able to convert several third and longs. Steven Nelson had two interceptions but Minkah Fitzpatrick and Terrell Edmunds were non-factors in the game.
Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff were a major reason for the Steelers victory. They outcoached the Eagles and knew the right levers to pull to get the game back on track. The defense needs to be better and the offense looks like it is still developing, but the team seems to be evolving into a better team every week.
The referees were way to involved in the game again. They made several strange and questionable calls on both sides of it and really jammed up the pace of the game.
In the end the Steelers sit at 4-0 for the first time since 1979.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: DUH… Chase Claypool, who had his coming out party, scoring four touchdowns and racking up 100+ yards. The receiving corps is becoming one of the best units on the team again! Also Considered: Ray-Ray McCloud who is becoming a bigger part of the offense as well as special teams. Ben Roethlisberger who played great the whole day. Stephon Tuitt who is anchoring the defensive line.
Where I watched the game: Because of Covid we are trying to stay home as much as possible, this was bittersweet, because we were supposed to be at the game this weekend. We had Cheesesteaks in honor of the “Battle of Pennsylvania”, It was about 18 inches long and weighed about EIGHT lbs. The beer of choice was IC Light for me, KGB drank Shock Top Pumpkin (With Cinnamon Sugar) and Dante drank A&W Root Beer! I texted with my buddy Bill throughout the game!
My Stat of the week: We covered the four touchdowns by Claypool. Going with the Eagles rushing for 94 yards, the most this season against the Steelers defense. But as we often write, stats don’t always tell the story. With Mike Sanders ripping off a 74-yard drive, the Eagles finished with just 20 yards on the other 15 carries, the defense had some missed tackles and quickly recovered.
My thoughts on next week: This is a HUGE matchup. The Browns are hitting their stride and have started to make their move, the Steelers look vulnerable in the secondary and that could spell big trouble. The key is protecting Ben and sooner or later the Browns will break. Look for a gunfight!
This week’s Jersey: Ben Roethlisberger, #7, Fashion Jersey.