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PHILADELPHIA — Jalen Hurts faced criticism as the Eagles’ passing game struggled, even receiving direct comments from standout wide receivers like A.J. Brown. This internal chatter threatened to disrupt team cohesion, leading some to question the dynamics within the locker room. However, this scrutiny might have catalyzed a much-needed performance boost for Philadelphia in a crucial matchup against their cross-state rivals, who are also playoff contenders.
“Every opportunity to get better is essential,” said head coach Nick Sirianni. “Although I don’t believe the outside turmoil benefited us, it was important for us to stay focused on our game plan.”
Hurts responded to the criticism effectively, throwing touchdown passes to both Brown and DeVonta Smith, which helped silence dissent regarding the offense. The Eagles secured their franchise-record 10th consecutive win with a 27-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Is this what you wanted to see?” Hurts remarked, revealing he played with a broken finger on his non-throwing hand during the game.
The tension within the Eagles had nothing to do with external fans or media; it was an issue brewing within the team itself. Just a week prior, both Smith and Brown voiced frustration over their limited targets during a victory against Carolina. Further commentary from injured defensive end Brandon Graham on a sports radio program hinted at deeper personal issues between Hurts and Brown.
During the game, Hurts targeted Smith and Brown early on, showing immediate offensive improvements. He completed passes to both receivers in the opening drive, helping set up a 34-yard field goal by Jake Elliott.
“Scrutiny is an ongoing reality. It’s not new to us,” Hurts stated. “I embrace these challenges and know that as a leader, it requires continuous effort.”
Brown, who appeared to struggle toward the end of the match, recorded eight receptions for 110 yards. Smith added to the success with 11 catches for 109 yards, marking a significant uptick from their prior performance where they combined for only eight receptions and 80 yards.
“Behind the scenes, we had important discussions,” said Brown about their meeting. “We didn’t want to feel like we were under attack, but it was a tough but necessary conversation.”
Hurts found Brown for a 5-yard touchdown in the first quarter, and after performing a celebratory dance, he later connected with Smith for a 2-yard touchdown that extended their lead to 17-3.
“That was our chance to show everyone that we were still strong as a team,” Brown added. The Eagles’ running back Saquon Barkley had his pursuit of the NFL’s single-season rushing record stunted, accumulating only 65 yards on 19 carries. Barkley, currently leading the league with 1,688 yards, missed a significant portion of the second quarter after a low hit from Steelers’ Minkah Fitzpatrick but later confirmed he was fine.
Hurts also managed to score a rushing touchdown in what is known as a “tush push” play for the Eagles, who are now at 12-2. Their chance to clinch the NFC East title was fallen short, as Washington defeated New Orleans earlier that day. Pittsburgh fell to 10-4 but secured a playoff spot due to favorable outcomes from other games.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin commented on the playoff success, “Right now it’s less relevant for us; we wanted this win, and we didn’t achieve it.”
Pittsburgh unfortunately lost star linebacker T.J. Watt to an ankle injury. Despite expressing optimism about the injury’s severity, he is uncertain about his availability for the next week’s crucial division game against Baltimore.
Eagles’ defense effectively contained Pittsburgh’s quarterback, who managed only a season-low 128 passing yards. Russell Wilson threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Pat Freiermuth, but he has now recorded only six wins against the Eagles during his career.
The Steelers deeply felt the absence of wide receiver George Pickens, their main pass catcher marked by 55 receptions and 850 yards, who missed another game due to a hamstring injury.
Historically, the Steelers have not won at Philadelphia since October 24, 1965. Wilson’s mishap with a pitch to Najee Harris led to an Eagles recovery, which set up Hurts’ rushing touchdown, extending the game score to 27-13.
This matchup marked the first in history when both teams entered with double-digit win totals, but it was not the fierce competition expected.
Chris Boswell contributed two field goals for Pittsburgh, solidifying his status as the team’s leading scorer with 38 field goals this season.
Injury updates showed uncertainty for both teams, with the Steelers’ cornerback Donte Jackson suffering a back injury, while backup quarterback Justin Fields also left the game due to an abdominal issue.
For the Eagles, safety Sydney Brown sustained a concussion on the opening kickoff, alongside left guard Landon Dickerson, who dealt with a knee injury.
Looking ahead, the Steelers are set to face Baltimore on Saturday in an important AFC North clash, while the Eagles will head to Washington next Sunday.
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