NFL Week 3: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Explosive offense vs. unmovable defense in NFL week 3

Eagles vs. Steelers Preview:

The NFC and AFC meet in Pennsylvania as the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in a classic battle. The game will see the high-flying offense of the Philadelphia Eagles go against the stingy 3-4 defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Pittsburgh Steelers have not won in Philadelphia in more than 40 years, but the Black and Gold look to shake history on their way to moving their record to 3-0.

Philadelphia Eagles Overview:

The Philadelphia Eagles are coming off a heartbreaking loss to rivals the Dallas Cowboys but are in fine form. QB Donovan McNabb may have his go-to receiver in rookie DeSean Jackson. With Donovan McNabb finally 100 percent and armed with more talent than ever, the Philadelphia Eagles offense is ready to light up scoreboards once again. RB Brian Westbrook is the most versatile player in the NFL and is the x-factor in every Philadelphia Eagles game.

The Philadelphia Eagles defense has a young and aggressive front seven. DE Trent Cole has evolved from a situational pass rusher to a great starter. DT Broderick Bunkley is a physical freak and is finally playing up to his potential. CB Asante Samuel is the best player on the Philadelphia Eagles defense and can shut down receivers. S Brian Dawkins is an emotional leader and is paired with up-and-coming S Quintin Mikell.

Pittsburgh Steelers Overview:

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is playing hurt but has proven to be one of the toughest QBs in the NFL. WR Hines Ward is his favorite target and is also facing a nagging injury. WR Santonio Holmes is also showing why he was a first round draft pick. RB Willie Parker already has more touchdowns than he did all last year and rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall is a great change of pace. The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line is playing on a higher level than critics thought they were capable of.

The return of S Troy Polamalu has been the difference maker for the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the monstrous safety playing the backcourt the 3-4 defense is able to unleash even more blitzes. NT Casey Hampton is also nicked up but is coming off two dominant games where he destroyed the run. OLB James Harrison is making fans forget about Joey Porter with his pass-rushing ability and young OLB LaMarr Woodley is not far behind. Former first-round pick ILB Lawrence Timmons is also playing to his potential.

Eagles Keys to Victory:

The veteran offensive line of the Philadelphia Eagles must be ready to deal with the complex blitzes of the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Donovan McNabb is given time to throw, then he can shred any defense. Brian Westbrook must also have a great game to open up the pass. Stopping the run will be the top priority of the Philadelphia Eagles defense as they have the cornerbacks to shut down Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward.

Steelers Keys to Victory:

As they have for years, the Pittsburgh Steelers will ride their zone blitzes and running game to victory. The Pittsburgh Steelers defense must keep constant pressure on Donovan McNabb while also containing Brian Westbrook. “Fast” Willie Parker will have his hands full trying to get the running game going as the Philadelphia Eagles have excellent run stoppers in the center of their line. Getting Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall to the outside will also take the pressure off an ailing Ben Roethlisberger.

Steelers vs. Eagles Outlook:

The stunning Monday Night Football loss to the Dallas Cowboys will be haunting the Philadelphia Eagles like a hangover, but they do have history on their side while playing at home. A healthy Donovan McNabb and a maturing DeSean Jackson is a great combo in the making. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers have momentum and an unforgiving defense on their side. The Pittsburgh Steelers have crushed the run and will look to do so again. Driving the Philadelphia Eagles offense to one dimension will give the Pittsburgh Steelers a strong edge in this game.