Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t shy away from the magnitude of Sunday’s Week 15 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. During his press conference Tuesday, Tomlin referred to the showdown as “The Pennsylvania State Championship,” acknowledging the rivalry and significance of the game between the state’s only two NFL franchises.
With both teams enjoying successful seasons, the clash has drawn widespread attention across the Keystone State.
The Eagles, led by head coach Nick Sirianni, boast an impressive 11-2 record and have already clinched a playoff berth. Their success is fueled by the stellar play of quarterback Jalen Hurts, whose dynamic skill set has made him one of the league’s most exciting players. Tomlin was full of praise for Hurts, describing him as a player with limitless potential.
“You name it, he’s capable of doing it,” Tomlin said, underscoring the challenge his defense will face in trying to contain the dual-threat quarterback.
Tomlin also highlighted the impact of running back Saquon Barkley, who has been pivotal to the Eagles’ offense. Barkley, who recently broke Philadelphia’s single-season rushing record, earned high praise from Tomlin, who called him “the most significant addition of 2024.” Barkley’s ability to control the game on the ground makes him a key player to watch, and the Steelers will need to devise a game plan to limit his effectiveness.
Mike Tomlin must led Steelers past a difficult playoff caliber opponent
While the Eagles are playing for playoff seeding, the stakes are higher for the Steelers. At 10-3, Pittsburgh remains firmly in the playoff race but cannot afford any slip-ups. Tomlin emphasized the team’s “by any means necessary” mindset, stressing the importance of maintaining focus despite the excitement surrounding Sunday’s game.
The Steelers enter the matchup as underdogs, especially with star wide receiver George Pickens sidelined due to a lingering hamstring injury. Pickens’ absence places added pressure on Pittsburgh’s depth players and quarterback Russell Wilson to step up against a formidable Eagles defense.
Despite the challenges, Tomlin remains confident in his team’s preparation and resilience. He understands the significance of this game not only in the standings but also as a source of pride for Steelers fans across Pennsylvania. “They need no endorsement from me,” Tomlin said of the Eagles, recognizing the high caliber of their roster.
Sunday’s game will be a test of strength for both teams. For the Steelers, it’s a chance to solidify their playoff standing while making a statement against one of the NFL’s elite squads. With the eyes of the state—and the league—on this matchup, the Steelers will need to bring their best to win the “Pennsylvania State Championship.”