The Pittsburgh Steelers looked to keep their perfect record alive against the Philadelphia Eagles. Here is a recap of the game.
The Steelers were in search of another win on Sunday – one that would mark their first 4-0 start to a season in 40 years. They found it today. While this game never felt over until an interception by Steven Nelson gave the ball back to Pittsburgh up two scores late in the fourth, the Steelers ultimately went on to win the game 38-29.
This marked their first 4-0 start since 1979 – a year when the Steelers would eventually go on to win the Super Bowl.
Pittsburgh’s Week 5 contest against the Eagles didn’t go at all as oddsmakers predicted. Though betting sites estimated the point total would be around 44 for the Eagles and Steelers, these two teams combined for a whopping 67 points on Sunday.
Luckily, Pittsburgh emerged victorious in the end. But it wasn’t easy.
Though their defense is typically the most trustworthy unit on the team, they were frustrating to watch as Carson Wentz and unknown wide receiver, Travis Fulgham, continually picked them apart to move the chains. Remarkably, Fulgham shredded the Steelers for 10 catches, 151 yards, and a touchdown in just the second start of his NFL career.
How the Steelers pulled off the win
This game was back and forth with some spotty officiating throughout. Pittsburgh struck first with a touchdown on a drive where an iffy pass interference was called against the Eagles. However, as time was expiring in the first quarter, Philadephia answered back with a touchdown of their own on a 74-yard scamper from running back Miles Sanders.
By the end of the second quarter, the Steelers were up 17-14 on the Eagles, and midway through the third quarter, Pittsburgh advanced that lead to 31-14.
When it seemed like Mike Tomlin’s team was going to start to run away with it, that’s when the Eagles quickly climbed back into the game – scoring two unanswered touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters to make narrow the lead at 31-29.
Eventually, the Steelers did enough to hold down the fort late in the contest, and their defense stepped up to the plate when it mattered most. However, the game ball in Pittsburgh’s fourth win of the season undoubtedly goes to rookie wide receiver Chase Claypool. On 11 targets, Claypool owned Philadelphia’s defense with 7 receptions, 110 yards, 3 receiving touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown. Hist stellar performance gives fans plenty of hope for this passing game in the future.
The Steelers were far from flawless in this contest, and despite a pair of interceptions from Steven Nelson, Pittsburgh’s secondary was incredibly frustrating to watch. Tomlin’s team may be 4-0 for the first time in 40 years, but they have plenty of work to do as they go back to the drawing board and prepare to host the Cleveland Browns next week.