PHILADELPHIA — The Steelers faced a tense moment when T.J. Watt’s chase of Jalen Hurts ended with the linebacker momentarily hopping on one foot before collapsing on the field, clutching his left ankle during the fourth quarter against the Eagles. This highly anticipated in-state clash quickly became a disappointment for Pittsburgh on Sunday.
If Watt, a crucial asset for the Steelers, were to miss significant time while the AFC North title race remained competitive, it could have been a severe setback for the team. They are scheduled to face division rivals Baltimore in just a week. Watt, reflecting on the incident post-game, stated he was in a “wait-and-see” mindset regarding the upcoming matchup. The 30-year-old former Defensive Player of the Year rolled his ankle but was optimistic that it was not a severe injury. He was evaluated in the medical tent and did not return to the game.
Unfortunately for Watt and the Steelers’ defense, they failed to effectively pressure Hurts or contain receiving threats DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, both of whom exceeded 100 yards of receiving in the Eagles’ 27-13 victory. Despite the loss, the Steelers (10-4) managed to secure a playoff spot, thanks to losses by both Indianapolis and Miami. However, Watt dismissed this as any form of consolation.
As Pittsburgh prepares to face the Ravens, who are just one game behind them in the standings, the challenges ahead appear daunting. Quarterback Russell Wilson has played a vital role in leading the Steelers to the top of the division, with six wins against teams currently struggling with losing records. However, the remaining schedule becomes more difficult, and the opening test against Philadelphia was a disappointing one.
“We need to find ways to get off the field,” Watt asserted. The team had previously excelled on third downs, but fell short against the Eagles, allowing many extended drives throughout the game. Wilson had a rough outing, recording a season-low 128 yards and experiencing difficulty against a Philadelphia team he has struggled against historically, now falling to a record of 6-1 against them. After their clash with Baltimore, the Steelers will host Kansas City before wrapping up the season at home against Cincinnati as they deal with playoff positioning and a desire to secure the division crown.
Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin noted, “It is a loss. I mean, let’s not get dramatic.” However, the issues during the game were apparent. One notable moment came when Wilson mishandled a pitch intended for Najee Harris in the third quarter, leading to a recovery by the Eagles and setting up a short touchdown from Hurts.
The absence of standout receiver George Pickens, the team’s leader in receptions and receiving yards, was felt profoundly as he missed his second consecutive game due to a hamstring injury. “Having George Pickens out there on the field is a good thing for the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Wilson remarked. “But either way, we still have to respond and find ways to make plays.”
To compound their troubles, backup quarterback Justin Fields sustained an injury after a brutal hit from safety Reed Blankenship, while cornerback Donte Jackson also left the game due to a back injury. Despite the setbacks and injuries, the fourth playoff appearance in five seasons brought some relief within the locker room.
“It’s a great thing for us. That’s our expectation,” Wilson said, emphasizing the desire to win the division. “We’ve got to go take it. Got to go find a way on the road in Baltimore, which we know is going to be a great football game.”
Ideally, the Steelers would be in a stronger position with both Watt and Pickens available moving forward.