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Phi @ Pit
I?m taking the under 35 small. Here's my take...
Others may disagree, but it looks like neither team has the ingredients for a great exhibition ?play-on? game. There is no QB controversy, both offenses are missing multiple key players, and it?s the first preseason game so no coaches angles come into play.
The other post I've seen at mj indicates both coaches are saying the same ole thing regarding their planned player rotations tonight.
As for the players...there have been distractions.
Will the Owen?s deal foul-up the Eagles tonight? The saga has serious potential to disrupt a team looking to get to another Super Bowl.
These teams have a history (for what its worth):
Pittsburgh beat Philly twice last year and covered both: last November 7th by a score of 27-3, and last August, 27-21.
The Steelers really got up for that November game, out-gaining the Eagles 422 yds to 113! A real drubbing. You?ll remember last year that Philly?s weakness was against the run, so the Steelers gave them a face full of Bettis. He ran for 149 yds, Big Ben threw two TDs, and the Steelers never punted. McNabb couldn?t get anything going on offense, and was sacked four times.
Other meetings:
Phil covered four in a row from 1997 to 2003.
Eagles injury situation:
Questionable - RB C. Buckhalter (knee bruise), RB R. Moats (concussion), G A. Hicks (knee), RB B. Westbrook (holdout), DT C. Simon (holdout), WR T. Owens (groin Aug. 4/walkout), P D. Johnson (hernia).
Doubtful - T T. Thomas (leg)
Out for season - S J. Reed (foot), WR T. Pinkston (Achilles)
Out indefinitely - DE J. McDougle (abdominal/6 wks)
Physically Unable to Perform - FB T. Tapeh (hip)
Steelers:
Hines Ward, whose holdout reached its 14th day Saturday. Some Steelers have been quoted as saying they can?t win without him. Porter and Staley are also out, and there the Steelers will be minus two of their most respected and influential players.
Phi @ Pit
I?m taking the under 35 small. Here's my take...
Others may disagree, but it looks like neither team has the ingredients for a great exhibition ?play-on? game. There is no QB controversy, both offenses are missing multiple key players, and it?s the first preseason game so no coaches angles come into play.
The other post I've seen at mj indicates both coaches are saying the same ole thing regarding their planned player rotations tonight.
As for the players...there have been distractions.
Will the Owen?s deal foul-up the Eagles tonight? The saga has serious potential to disrupt a team looking to get to another Super Bowl.
These teams have a history (for what its worth):
Pittsburgh beat Philly twice last year and covered both: last November 7th by a score of 27-3, and last August, 27-21.
The Steelers really got up for that November game, out-gaining the Eagles 422 yds to 113! A real drubbing. You?ll remember last year that Philly?s weakness was against the run, so the Steelers gave them a face full of Bettis. He ran for 149 yds, Big Ben threw two TDs, and the Steelers never punted. McNabb couldn?t get anything going on offense, and was sacked four times.
Other meetings:
Phil covered four in a row from 1997 to 2003.
Eagles injury situation:
Questionable - RB C. Buckhalter (knee bruise), RB R. Moats (concussion), G A. Hicks (knee), RB B. Westbrook (holdout), DT C. Simon (holdout), WR T. Owens (groin Aug. 4/walkout), P D. Johnson (hernia).
Doubtful - T T. Thomas (leg)
Out for season - S J. Reed (foot), WR T. Pinkston (Achilles)
Out indefinitely - DE J. McDougle (abdominal/6 wks)
Physically Unable to Perform - FB T. Tapeh (hip)
Steelers:
Hines Ward, whose holdout reached its 14th day Saturday. Some Steelers have been quoted as saying they can?t win without him. Porter and Staley are also out, and there the Steelers will be minus two of their most respected and influential players.
