First, do you think last week’s win makes a big difference for the Eagles confidence as they head into the Steelers game this weekend?
Absolutely. Watching Carson Wentz for five years now, he thrives on confidence. The first three weeks he was brutal. But seeing guys like Fulgham getting involved and getting back into a groove definitely helps him.
Now, I wouldn’t say it makes them overly confident. It was one win and against a beat-up 49ers team, so you take it with a grain of salt. But it definitely helps.
The defensive line has really been dominant for you as of late. What do you think has caused it’s resurgence?
I think it’s just now coming all together. The last three years they tried to reinvest in the defensive line. Their top three guys now count over $40 million towards the cap. Cox is drawing a lot of double teams, but former Steelers lineman Hargrave is now able to take some pressure off of him.
Barnett – he is a former first round pick that has been underwhelming – he has a lot to prove this year – it’s a big year for him. They are all stepping up – and former Browns defensive lineman Avery has been making plays too. He’s finding a role in the defense. They have a lot of difference-makers on defense.
A lot of injuries of course across the Eagles – what areas concern you most?
Offensive line for sure – they are down three starters and are starting a third-string left tackle against very talented Steelers pass rushers. Wentz will have to get the ball out quickly or he’ll take a beating.
The wide receivers – they’ve had a lot of injuries but Jeffrey and Jackson are easing their way back and even if one comes back it’ll be a big help.
At cornerback, they are down Avonte Maddox – but they have Jalen Mills who was playing safety but was a cornerback before and played corner against the 49ers last week very well. I think they’ll line him up opposite Dontae Johnson – opposite Slay.
When you look at the Steelers, who do you worry about most?
When I look at them, I see two players on offense that worry me – Ebron and Conner. Conner when healthy is a talented running back and the Eagles run defense hasn’t been the same as it has in years’ past. It’s taken a step back.
Ebron worries me because he’s a very good tight end and the Eagles are very weak against tight ends. Higby and Kittle both had big days against the Eagles. They just don’t have anybody that can cover tight ends.
Conversely, what matchups do you see benefitting the Eagles most on Sunday?
I think Darrius Slay can neutralize JuJu. Slay has been fantastic this year shadowing teams’ top wide receivers. I think that’s an advantage to the Eagles. I also think the defensive line has an appealing matchup versus the Steelers offensive line.
Any surprises you see the Eagles pulling out this weekend?
The Eagles I think will keep it simple. In their first win last week the offense wasn’t complex. I think they’ll stick with the basics, but one guy to watch out for is Jalen Hurts. They ran an end run last week with him where he was supposed to throw it back to Carson Wentz, but Carson was covered. I wonder if we’ll see Hurts throw the ball this week.
On defense?
In their loss to the Rams, Goff had one of his best games. The Eagles defense kept it very simple – no blitzes – nothing complex. After that their defensive coordinator took it upon himself to make the defense more complex. More linebacker and corner blitzes. They used Avery more in stunts up the middle. He’s a unique guy – short body and fast and strong – not your typical defensive end. I think they’ll try to do those things again.
How confident are you with the special teams units with the Eagles?
The special teams have been decent. The punt and kickoff coverage haven’t let up any big returns. They have a lot of young players who are fast and good tacklers. Pittsburgh may be the first big challenge they have this year but I think they’re up to the challenge.
What do you think will be the critical elements to a win for the Steelers or Eagles Sunday?
If the Steelers are to win, they’ll need to control the line of scrimmage and take advantage of a battered Eagles offensive line. Wentz struggles when he’s under pressure and ca be forced to make bad decisions. He can’t control the ball like he used too.
Offensively the Steelers need to go up-tempo and prevent the Eagles’ defense from rotating guys in on the defensive line. The second tier of the Eagles isn’t great – their linebackers aren’t the best and they just lost their best tackler to injury.
If the Eagles win, Wentz needs to get the ball out quickly and avoid sacks – let the receivers get yards after the catch and go up-tempo as well.
Prediction?
I’ve gone back an forth on it but I’m leaning towards the Steelers winning a high-scoring game, 31-26.
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