Each week, prior to kickoff, let's take a look at some of the numbers that matter and keep them in mind when the game begins.
1. The Eagles have the NFL's fifth-ranked passing defense, allowing 188 yards per game. And get this: The Eagles are ranked No. 2 in fewest passing yards allowed per attempt, 4.9 yards. That's minuscule. What makes it relevant for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh is that the Steelers have some real talent at wide receiver with Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson, and rookie George Pickens.
They will run vertical routes – Pickens is the one to watch here – while Claypool and Johnson are good catch-and-run receivers. Can rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett get the ball outside the numbers to his receivers against Philadelphia's outstanding cornerbacks – Darius Slay and James Bradberry are 1-2 in the NFL with the lowest passer rating on throws their way? It's a matchup to watch.
Pickett completed 10 of 12 passes throwing inside the numbers in Sunday night's loss to Miami and was 22 of 32 outside the numbers, but he threw three interceptions on those passes, averaging 5.3 yards per passing attempt as the Steelers fell to the Dolphins, 16-10. Watch out for tight end Pat Freiermuth, who averages 1.89 yards per route run, fourth best among NFL tight ends. He has been targeted on 25 percent of his routes, third highest among tight ends, and Pickett has completed 87 percent of his passes when targeting the tight end. The Eagles must A) Tackle very well on short routes; B) Limit Pickens and Claypool on the deep throws; and C) Keep Freiermuth under wraps in the middle of the field.
2. Takeaways, takeaways, it's been all about the takeaways for the Eagles' defense this season. The Eagles have had at least one takeaway in each of their six games and 14 overall, tied for first in the NFL in that category entering Week 8. In fact, the Eagles are the first team since 1940 to have 14 takeaways and only two giveaways in the opening six games of a season. No doubt, the turnover ratio will mean a lot on Sunday, as it does every week. Only four teams have given it away more than the Steelers' 12 turnovers, which includes a league-high 9 interceptions. Pickett, making his fourth NFL start, has thrown seven interceptions. When you're able to add a proven pass rusher like Robert Quinn to the mix, you expect even more havoc in the offensive backfield and more opportunities to get hands on the football.
"follow" - Google News
October 30, 2022 at 12:17AM
https://ift.tt/T7KW9zR
Spadaro: 6 storylines to follow Sunday vs. Steelers - PhiladelphiaEagles.com
"follow" - Google News
https://ift.tt/aGMl513
https://ift.tt/rpbYqvh
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Spadaro: 6 storylines to follow Sunday vs. Steelers - PhiladelphiaEagles.com"
Post a Comment