The third time was the charm, as the Philadelphia Eagles secured their first preseason win over the Steelers at home Thursday night, by a score of 31-21. The first two preseason games, both on the road, concluded with losses to the Bears and Patriots, two of the NFL's best offenses. The Eagles looked terrific in front of their home crowd and the starters finally look about as ready as you can be for opening day.
LeSean McCoy got things started on the scoreboard for the Eagles about midway through the first quarter, as he caught a 22 yard pass from Foles, capping off the 80 yard drive. Shady finished with 4 rushes for 24 yards and 2 receptions for 26 yards and a touchdown. McCoy did leave the game early to get an X-ray on his thumb, but the results came back negative, as it is just a sprain and should not affect his playing time in the regular season. But the Eagles' backs weren't done yet. New addition Darren Sproles rushed for a 1 yard touchdown early in the second quarter, giving the Eagles a two touchdown lead. After an Alex Henery field goal gave the Eagles a 17-0 halftime lead, yet another Eagles running back scampered his way into the end zone. Matthew Tucker scored on a 1 yard run early in the third quarter, giving the Eagles a 24-0 lead that they wouldn't relinquish.
On the receiving side of the offense, 15 different players caught passes to record 309 receiving yards on the night. But, as fluid as the offense looked, there was still the Maclin scare. Coming off of ACL surgery that saw him miss the entire 2013 NFL season, Maclin went down awkwardly in the second quarter, holding his right knee. However, he was able to walk off the field on his own strength and get back in the game later on. Losing Maclin again would have been a crushing blow to the Eagles' offense, but he and McCoy are fine and ready to go week 1.
The first two preseason games were tough for the Eagles' defense, as the Bears and Patriots combined for 76 points in the two contests. However, the Eagles' defense looked spectacular again the Steelers last night, as Roethlisberger and the gang were unable to get anything going for the first three quarters. Nolan Carroll picked off an arrant Roethlisberger throw early on, and the birds kept getting after him, with both Vinny Curry and Brandon Graham recording a sack. The Eagles' depth on the defensive end showed and for the first time this preseason, worked cohesively as a unit. Every Eagles opponent this preseason is a potential playoff contender. So for the Eagles to keep the losses close and contain a veteran QB such as Roethlisberger, it's a sign that bodes well for the upcoming season.
Obviously individuals will have a bad game here and there, but as a team, the Eagles have looked sharp as they prepare for their final preseason game against the Jets at home next Thursday. The Jets have one of the best defensive lines in the NFl, so it will be a really good test for the Eagles' offensive lines to keep the pressure off of Foles, Sanchez and Barkley.
Next Game: Thursday, August 28th 7pm vs. New York Jets
By: Dan Goggin
On the receiving side of the offense, 15 different players caught passes to record 309 receiving yards on the night. But, as fluid as the offense looked, there was still the Maclin scare. Coming off of ACL surgery that saw him miss the entire 2013 NFL season, Maclin went down awkwardly in the second quarter, holding his right knee. However, he was able to walk off the field on his own strength and get back in the game later on. Losing Maclin again would have been a crushing blow to the Eagles' offense, but he and McCoy are fine and ready to go week 1.
The first two preseason games were tough for the Eagles' defense, as the Bears and Patriots combined for 76 points in the two contests. However, the Eagles' defense looked spectacular again the Steelers last night, as Roethlisberger and the gang were unable to get anything going for the first three quarters. Nolan Carroll picked off an arrant Roethlisberger throw early on, and the birds kept getting after him, with both Vinny Curry and Brandon Graham recording a sack. The Eagles' depth on the defensive end showed and for the first time this preseason, worked cohesively as a unit. Every Eagles opponent this preseason is a potential playoff contender. So for the Eagles to keep the losses close and contain a veteran QB such as Roethlisberger, it's a sign that bodes well for the upcoming season.
Obviously individuals will have a bad game here and there, but as a team, the Eagles have looked sharp as they prepare for their final preseason game against the Jets at home next Thursday. The Jets have one of the best defensive lines in the NFl, so it will be a really good test for the Eagles' offensive lines to keep the pressure off of Foles, Sanchez and Barkley.
Next Game: Thursday, August 28th 7pm vs. New York Jets
By: Dan Goggin
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