Slow starts have been a major issue for the Pittsburgh Steelers in recent weeks, and this time, it came back to bite them in a big way.
Despite clinching a playoff spot, the Steelers fell to the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-13. Although they suffered a loss, they still hold first place in the AFC North with only three games remaining.
To say the Eagles had their number would be an understatement. It only took a few drives to make it clear that the Steelers' secondary couldn't neutralize the Eagles' pass catchers, led by the dynamic duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Amidst the controversy surrounding them the previous week, quarterback Jalen Hurts proved he had no issues finding his open receivers. As for star running back Saquon Barkley, he finished with a modest 65 rushing yards, but his contribution wasn't necessary as the Eagles controlled the game throughout.
When it came down to it, the Steelers underperformed on both sides of the ball. Smith and Brown tormented the secondary, combining for 19 receptions, 219 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. To add insult to injury, All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt sustained an ankle injury late in the contest when it was seemingly out of reach. On offense, quarterback Russell Wilson couldn't find his rhythm, as the Eagles' defense took advantage of the absence of receiver George Pickens.
The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Steelers, as they face a rematch with the Baltimore Ravens next week, followed by a Christmas Day matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The team's biggest concern now is the status of Watt, who fortunately was able to walk on his own to the locker room before the end of the contest.
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