The Philadelphia Eagles are on fire, as they continued their dominance in the NFL with a 27-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking their 10th consecutive win. This victory wasn’t just another win on the scoreboard—it set a franchise record and showcased their outstanding performance on both sides of the ball. As they inch closer to clinching the NFC East crown, the Eagles are also keeping their hopes alive for the top seed in the NFC. Let’s break down some key numbers that highlight what made this victory so special.
77: The Eagles' Offensive Onslaught
In a game that was a true test of endurance, the Eagles ran a season-high 77 offensive plays, nearly doubling up the Steelers in terms of time of possession. The Eagles controlled the ball for 39 minutes and 52 seconds, while Pittsburgh only managed a meager 20 minutes and 8 seconds. The difference was staggering, with the Eagles dominating the field and keeping the Steelers’ offense on the sidelines.
It all came down to a crucial moment in the fourth quarter. With the Steelers trailing by two scores, they faced a fourth-and-7 from the Eagles’ 46-yard line. They chose to punt, hoping to pin the Eagles deep. But the Eagles had other plans. Starting from their own 3-yard line with 10:29 remaining on the clock, they went on a 21-play drive that ate up almost the entire clock, never giving Pittsburgh a chance to touch the ball again. Talk about controlling the game!
This was the largest disparity in offensive plays for the Eagles all season, with a plus-36 advantage over the Steelers. To put it into perspective, the Eagles’ previous biggest edge was a plus-22 during their Week 9 win against Jacksonville. The 77 offensive plays were the most the Eagles had in a game since their Week 5 win over the Rams in Los Angeles last season, where they ran 78 plays.
23: Jalen Hurts and the Passing Game Shine
One of the most exciting storylines of the game was the performance of Jalen Hurts and the passing attack. Hurts, despite playing with a broken left ring finger, delivered one of his most impressive performances of the season. The Eagles’ passing game, which had been a topic of concern leading up to the game, came alive in a big way.
Hurts was clearly in sync with his top two targets, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, who combined for 23 targets. This was the first time in 2024 that Hurts’ two main receivers had over 20 targets in a game. Last season, this happened six times, but this was the first occurrence in 2024. It’s a clear sign that the Eagles' passing game is hitting its stride at just the right time.
Smith had a career-high 11 catches for 109 yards, while Brown hauled in 8 catches for 110 yards, with both receivers scoring touchdowns. Hurts made it clear how pleased he was with their performance when he jokingly asked reporters, “So that’s what y’all wanted to see, huh?” as he sat down for his post-game press conference.
4.9: A.J. Brown’s Dominance Against Man Coverage
When it comes to the Eagles' offense, A.J. Brown was the standout performer. He’s been a key figure in the Eagles’ attack all season, and this game was no different. Hurts targeted Brown early and often, and it paid off in a big way. Brown made a significant impact against Pittsburgh’s man coverage, which has been one of the Steelers' defensive strengths.
According to Next Gen Stats, Brown ran 13 routes against man coverage and was targeted 8 times, resulting in 6 catches for 89 yards, including a touchdown. But what’s truly remarkable is Brown’s average of 4.9 yards per route run against man coverage. This is the highest by any receiver with at least 75 routes run against man coverage in a season since at least 2018. Brown’s ability to consistently beat man coverage is a testament to his elite skill set and chemistry with Hurts.
175: A Defense That Stifled the Steelers
While the offense got a lot of attention in this game, the defense was equally impressive. The Eagles' defense held the Steelers to their lowest yardage total in over a decade—just 163 total yards, which marked the lowest output for Pittsburgh since 2010. The Eagles’ defense became the only team in the NFL to hold three opponents under 175 total yards in a game this season, after already limiting the New York Giants to 119 yards in Week 7 and the Dallas Cowboys to 146 yards in Week 10.
The Eagles’ defense didn’t just stifle the Steelers' offense—they shut it down entirely. Pittsburgh only managed to generate one explosive play in the game, and that required a bit of trickery. The Steelers pulled out a flea flicker for a 31-yard gain to Calvin Austin, but that was about as much success as they had all day. The Eagles’ defense dominated the line of scrimmage, pressuring Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett and making it difficult for Pittsburgh to get anything going.
This stellar defensive performance, combined with the offensive explosion, made for a complete team victory. The Eagles proved they’re not just an offensive powerhouse—they’re one of the best defensive units in the league, too.
Key Takeaways: A Complete Performance
This victory over the Steelers was a statement win for the Eagles. They set a franchise record with their 10th consecutive win, and they did it by playing complementary football. On offense, Hurts and his weapons put on a clinic, with A.J. Brown continuing to dominate and DeVonta Smith setting a career-high in catches. The offensive line, led by Lane Johnson, held up against one of the best pass rushers in the game, T.J. Watt, despite the physical toll of the game.
Defensively, the Eagles were suffocating. They allowed just 163 yards, forced Pittsburgh to punt on almost every possession, and shut down the Steelers' offense completely. The Eagles are firing on all cylinders right now, and they’re positioned perfectly to make a deep playoff run.
As the Eagles continue their march toward the NFC East title, this win solidifies their spot as one of the most complete teams in the NFL. The combination of a high-powered offense, a stifling defense, and an unrelenting will to dominate makes them a formidable force heading into the final stretch of the season. With the No. 1 seed still within reach, the Eagles are showing no signs of slowing down, and they’re proving that they’re built for a championship run.
It’s safe to say the Eagles are not just winning games—they’re sending a message to the rest of the NFL: they’re here to stay.
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