In Week 8 of the current 2022 NFL season, the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles welcome their neighbour, perennial rival and fearful opponent to the “Battle of Pennsylvania”: the Pittsburgh Steelers. Will the arch-rival be a stumbling block?

Munich/Philadelphia – In Week 8 of the current 2022 NFL season, the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles welcome their neighbour, long-time rival and fearful opponent to the “Battle of Pennsylvania”: the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Although many experts expect the Eagles to win, the Steelers could well be able to trip up quarterback Jalen Hurts and Co. and inflict their first defeat of the season.

Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts and Co. never completely convincing

For all the joy of a 6-0 record in Eagles camp, the truth is that Philadelphia hasn’t outplayed any opponent in dominating fashion in their six games so far.

This is also evident in the game schedule, which has certainly meant well for “Philly” in recent weeks: Opponents like the Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders or Jacksonville Jaguars don’t necessarily belong to the league’s contender ranks and yet almost all games of the regular season so far have been won by a narrow margin.

In the six games played so far, these victories still account for half of the Eagles’ positive record.

In games against teams with playoff experience, such as the Arizona Cardinals, the Eagles have often had a harder time than their unblemished record would suggest: Often it was only one or two scores that ultimately brought victory for “Philly”. Just how shaky the Eagles are despite their perfect season record was evident in the aforementioned 20-17 win over the Cardinals in week five, when Hurts and his offence went completely without a touchdown in the second half. Only two field goals put points on the scoreboard in half two.

The example also shows the Eagles’ greatest strength: the first half. In all games played so far, the Eagles have been in the lead at halftime. In the second half, things often became critical and the opposing teams were able to score easily. The Eagles still have to learn to be consistent and keep up good performances throughout the quarters.

Eagles vs. Steelers – Rivalry between neighbours

What better way to do that than in a neighbourhood duel with the Pittsburgh Steelers? The two franchises duel in the “Battle of Pennsylvania” besides a “normal” NFL victory also for supremacy in the state, as the name already suggests.

The Steelers won the last meeting 38-29 at home, and the Eagles will now try to use the home field advantage at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia to send the Steelers on their way back to Pittsburgh, some 500 km away, with the bitter taste of defeat.

When asked about the rivalry game against the Steelers and the criticism of their not always convincing victories, Eagles centre Jason Kelce defiantly let it be known: “We’re talented enough to win against any team in the league.”

If the Eagles want to get further than “just” the playoffs – keyword Super Bowl – they have to. Because in the knockout games in January and February at the latest, the best teams of the season await, who will mercilessly exploit every mistake. The consequence would be (early) elimination despite a flawless record so far.

Pittsburgh Steelers: On the right track despite growing pains

On the flip side, the Pittsburgh Steelers face rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett on Sunday. The first-round pick from this year’s draft took over Mitch Trubisky’s starting job starting in week five and has been trying to find his feet at the NFL level ever since.

And in this endeavour, Pickett and the Steelers seem to be on the right track despite a record of only two wins and five losses.

Because: Against the Cincinnati Bengals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were actually clear favourites, the winner in the end was Pittsburgh. In the two games, Mike Tomlin’s team scored a combined three touchdowns against teams that are actually better quality.

And even in the defeats, they were able to keep the games open and close for a long time – with the exception of a 3:38 blowout against the Buffalo Bills. So the Steelers seem to have proven that they can definitely upset the big boys.

Pittsburgh Steelers hope for return of T.J. Watt

Before the upcoming game at the Eagles, there was also positive news from the Steelers’ infirmary: Star defender T.J. Watt could be back on the field for the first time after overcoming a pectoral muscle injury and knee surgery.

On Friday, the 28-year-old at least left an outing against the Steelers open, spreading hope. “I don’t know. We’ll have to see,” Watt said regarding a comeback on Sunday, “I feel good. Today was a good day. This week has been a good week for me. I just want to keep going in the right direction.”

Along with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, Watt could make life difficult for the Eagles. His work record so far shows just how important a Watt assignment would be against the Eagles: Watt only played in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals before his injury this season, but promptly recorded a sack, three tackles for loss and an interception. So far in his NFL career, the brother of Cardinals superstar J.J. Watt stands at 73 sacks in 78 games.

Can the Eagles hold their own against struggling Steelers? Or will Pittsburgh show the NFL that the Eagles are beatable? Where better to settle that question than in a duel with so much more at stake than “just” a win on the field.