Okay, maybe you can help us out because we've been racking our brains over this all week. How in the heck can the Philadelphia Eagles consistently play their best games vs. the likes of the mighty Baltimore Ravens and an up-and-coming Washington Commanders squad but then look so bad vs. the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers?
We'd never deny that trap games exist. They do! It's hard to treat every opponent equally and to avoid the temptation to look past someone, but maybe it's the other thing... Every NFL team employs NFL players and alphas.
No one is looking past the Steelers. If they have, we imagine they lost. An AFC North division we thought might be won by the Ravens is, instead, led by Mike Tomlin's team.
So, we'll need Philly's best effort on Sunday. Anything less than that will end the Eagles' nine-game winning streak. Ten consecutive wins will set a franchise record.
Let's talk about that vaunted Steelers defense.
Quinyon Mitchell breaks the jinx and finally snags his first career interception.
You're probably sick of us saying this because we say it every week, and just like Quinyon Mitchell, we've come so close on so many occasions.
Here's why we keep saying Q will snag his first interception. After doing so for so long, we don't want to be the ones to give up on him during the week he actually breaks the jinx.
Nolan Smith and Josh Sweat both collect sacks.
Nolan Smith and Josh Sweat created some pressure vs. Carolina. They were, however, unable to close the show and get Bryce Young on the ground when they got to him.
While Russell Wilson might be more elusive, we're happy with what we've seen from Nolan and Sweaty since the bye week. Think about what Smith has done for about a second. Many had given up, but he and Jalen Carter are tied with 4.5 sacks).
Both he and Sweat get a sack in this one as Philly finds its pass rush again. Count on Jalen Carter to be his game-wrecking self and for Smith and Sweat to be the beneficiaries.
Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean combine for a sack and 18 tackles.
Zack Baun should be voted onto the All-Pro Team. Yeah, we said it! He's been that good.
He had an off-week vs. the Los Angeles Rams, but he's been lights out more often than not.
His 129 total tackles and 80 solo stops all lead the team. His nine tackles for loss tie Nakobe Dean for the second-highest team total. They only trail Jalen Carter (12). There's nothing to be ashamed of there.
Dean ranks second on this Eagles defense in total tackles (106) and those of the solo variety (67). He and Baun have combined for 6.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions.
This week, our prediction is they combine for a sack and 18 tackles. As a result, the finish this one with the top two tackle totals. That's become pretty common for them.
The Eagles defense limits the Steelers to 250 yards of total offense and helps lead Philly to a record-setting win.
The Steelers offense can put up points. They have performed well with Russell Wilson at the helm, but this Eagles defense will answer the call after having an off-week by their standards vs. Carolina.
Vic Fangio is one heck of a coach. He'll have this unit ready to play. They're the healthiest they have been in a while. The Steelers and their fans should beware.
