Eagles vs Steelers Game Thread

[Sgt PSN]

even though they didn't give up any points, the 1st team defense didn't look great in my opinion.  in fact, i fear that the Steelers may have exposed one of the few ways to move the ball against the defense.  the dline will be very good to great, i think we can all agree on that.  but the way to combat that is but letting them rush up the field and throw a screen pass behind them.  and with these lousy linebackers, once a rb gets into the 2nd level with blockers, it's going to be trouble. 

I agree that's something that they have to get better at but that's textbook for any agressive defense.

And I agree with that.  Under Jim Johnson, the Eagles have always been abused by the screen.  But screen passes usually don't work too well inside the red zone, which is where they absolutely must improve this year.  JJ has never cared about how many yards the defense gives up.  It's the points he's worried about.  And as long as the front 4 is able to get in the backfield then I think opposing teams will have a hard(er) time scoring when the get inside the 20.

[PhillyPhreak54]

even though they didn't give up any points, the 1st team defense didn't look great in my opinion.  in fact, i fear that the Steelers may have exposed one of the few ways to move the ball against the defense.  the dline will be very good to great, i think we can all agree on that.  but the way to combat that is but letting them rush up the field and throw a screen pass behind them.  and with these lousy linebackers, once a rb gets into the 2nd level with blockers, it's going to be trouble.

Like Feva said...

That's the key to slowing down the pass rush - use misdirection and screens. Make the DL hesitate just enough to give the QB an extra second to get the ball off. This has always bitten the Eagles in the ass. Teams play their defensive speed against them. Even though the LBs aren't the greatest, even if you attack great LBs like that it can and will hurt them. Just get them going one way and throw it or run it the other way.

And like Sassy said - they really have to get better in the redzone. You noticed on Friday after the Steelers ate up some yards the defense turned it up a notch and forced an INC, an intentional grounding and then the pick. They weren't in the RZ yet but they were getting close.

Speaking of misdirection - that's how the Giants and Tiki kill them every year. They run those fargin counters and it is like kryptonite to that defense. Hopefully the addition of Bunk and Howard can help stop that.