By TJ Troup 
Once upon a time—no, this is not the beginning of a fairy tale—the Eagles and Steelers merged for one season (1943). The story for today will begin in 1947. These two teams tied for the Eastern Conference title and had a special play-off game. Since 1947, the Eagles and Steelers have met 59 times. Philadelphia has won 36, lost 21 times, and tied twice.
Since the merger, the Eagles have won nine of fourteen games, and this is during an era when the Steelers have had some of the best teams in the league. Starting in 1979, both teams have earned a play-off berth 13 times in the same year, including last year.
The last time Pittsburgh won in Philadelphia was 1965, and no doubt all of you remember that game? Right? Oh, some of you were not around in those days?
Why was only 59 years ago?
The Steelers are winless, and the Eagles have won twice as they enter Franklin Field. Philadelphia leads 7-0, and have the ball deep in their own territory. The best player on the Eagles, halfback Timmy Brown starts on a sweep to the right, and left linebacker John Campbell knocks the ball loose.
The pigskin is quickly picked up by left corner Willie Daniel and he scoots 17 yards for a touchdown. King Hill has driven the Eagles into Steeler territory and throws to Brown, but safety Jim Bradshaw not only intercepts he returns the theft 82 yards for a touchdown (one of three interceptions by Bradshaw that October afternoon).
Bill Nelsen adds to the Pittsburgh lead in the second half as he flips to fullback Mike Lind in the end zone. The worst team in Steeler history is ahead by 13 points in the 4th quarter?
Final score: Pittsburgh 20 Philadelphia 14.
The Steelers gained but 132 yards in total offense, while the Eagles amassed 388, but when you turn the ball over five times and two of the turnovers are defensive scores—well you just are not gonna win very often. An aspect of that game that we all hope for tomorrow is the damn zebras controlling the tempo of the game. In that game in '65 just one penalty for five yards!
How refreshing; let the warriors battle and keep the hankies in your pocket.
During tomorrow's telecast, we will hear all about the quarterbacks and how both teams are winning. Blah, blah, blah ... how about something insightful?
Does the Steeler defense adjust their alignments to limit Saquon Barkley? Are combination coverages the plan for the improved Steeler secondary since the Eagles have talented and productive receivers.
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| T.J. Watt |
Does Vic Fangio continue to build the confidence of his young defenders who are also playing strong team pass defense by playing more man coverage on Steeler receivers?
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| Vic Fangio, Eagles Defensive Coordinator |
Finally, my last question for all of you—Ready? Do you have plenty of Smokehouse Almonds and Dr. Pepper for the game?
BW ...
ReplyDeleteThe Steelers passed their test against the Ravens but now they take on a team with a better record in the Eagles, who are playing great football. The Steelers schedule had been pretty easy but now they face a very tough closing stretch, where the Ravens are hoping to close the gap.
With Pickins out, who will step up for them? Will Russell Wilson have better chemistry with Williams and Austin? Can Freiermuth continue to stay hot?
Personally, knowing the Eagles will pound the ball with Barkley--on his quest for Dickerson's rushing record--the Steelers need to pound out 35 or more carries themselves with Warren and Patterson hopefully, stepping up as well. On defense, I would rather the Steelers secondary lock down on the receivers, rather than going all-out stopping Barkley, though he can hit the home-run, if they dont gang tackle.
For Philly, I feel Hurts will challenge their secondary, and after Brown shot off his mouth all week, he will be itching to back it up with big plays. Can the Steelers stop them?
BW ...
ReplyDeleteGood passing game from Hurts, though his hand is now hurt ... the Steelers did a good job on Barkley but couldnt muster enough offense, especially after Philly turnovers. The Ravens are itching to play them again but Henry has cooled down. Will Keaton Mitchell start playing a bigger role in the running game?