By: Jared Villani
SteelerNation.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers set the tone in this matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles by marching down field courtesy of Ben Roethlisberger's ability to spread the ball and get his receivers involved early. The Steelers ended a 17-play drive with rookie receiver Chase Claypool showcasing his versatility with a rushing touchdown. Pittsburgh got off to an early 7 to 0 lead with Claypool's touchdown.
The first RUSHING touchdown of @ChaseClaypool's career ????
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— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 11, 2020
Unfortunately for Pittsburgh's offense, they wouldn't be on the sidelines very long. Philadelphia running back Miles Sanders took matters into his own hands with a 74-yard touchdown run, leaving Steelers defenders in the dust. The Eagles even the score at 7 with Sanders' massive touchdown run.
The Steelers looked to answer back and retake the lead after their short break on the bench. Roethlisberger had tunnel-vision to this point in the game and only seemed to have eyes for Chase Claypool. Roethlisberger capped off the drive by finding Claypool for a 32-yard receiving touchdown, thus putting Pittsburgh back on top 14 to 7.
A rushing touchdown AND a receiving touchdown for @ChaseClaypool so far ????
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— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 11, 2020
The Eagles offense wasn't done either despite their struggles in the passing game in recent weeks. Carson Wentz found Travis Fulgham often as Philly made their way down field. Unfortunately, it was Miles Sanders once again who would add points to the Eagles point total, this time a mere one-yard touchdown. Nonetheless, the ball game is tied up again, now 14 to 14.
Despite the back and forth play from both teams, the Steelers rushed to get their lead back before the first half came to a close. Roethlisberger got the offense down field in time to add three points to their point total courtesy of Chris Boswell's 41-yard field goal which gave the Steelers a 17 to 14 lead going into the second half.
The Steelers got the ball first in the second half and picked up right where they left off and it was clear at this point, drafting Chase Claypool was turning out to be a brilliant pick. Roethlisberger had his way with the Philly secondary every time he found Claypool and this drive ended with Claypool's third touchdown of the day! Roethlisberger's five-yard touchdown connection to the talented rookie put the Steelers up by two scores now, 24 to 14.
Hat trick for @ChaseClaypool!
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— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 11, 2020
After lackluster play by the Steelers vaunted defense so far, cornerback Steven Nelson changed that very quickly by picking off Philly quarterback Carson Wentz. Nelson's interception sealed the deal for the offense as well after giving them excellent field position. Surprisingly enough, another player aside from Chase Claypool would reach pay dirt as James Conner displayed his strength for a one-yard touchdown. Steelers increase their lead, 31 to 14.
The Eagles would recover after the costly turnover and put together a successful drive of their own as Wentz made it a point to find Fulgham at all costs, but ultimately capped off the drive finding receiver Greg Ward for an 8-yard touchdown. The Eagles successfully converted the two-point conversion as well, chipping away at Pittsburgh's sizable lead. Philly still trails 22 to 31.
Philadelphia refused to go down easily in this one as they clawed their way back within a single score as Wentz continued to find his open receivers and put the Steelers secondary to the test. It was none other than Fulgham to make his presence known once again and his second touchdown of the day would bring the Eagles within a field goal. Fulgham's 4-yard touchdown reception pushed the Eagles in a dangerous spot for Pittsburgh, only trailing 29 to 31.
If the Eagles last surge wasn't enough to give the Steelers a reason to wake-up, Eric Ebron gave the ball right back to the Eagles with a costly fumble. The Philly takeaway gave them prime field position for Jake Elliott to put the Eagles over the edge, however Elliott missed the 57-yard attempt despite being known for his big leg.
The turnover on downs was just what the Steelers needed to insure their chances of staying on the track with their perfect record thus far and who else, but the game's MVP Chase Claypool to add to his successful day. Roethlisberger's 35-yard strike to a wide-open Claypool would seal the deal for Pittsburgh as they went ahead 38 to 29.
Just the beginning ????
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— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 11, 2020
A late interception from Steven Nelson once again was the icing on the cake for Pittsburgh and shut down the Eagles' last efforts to make a comeback. Although this one got close for a bit, Pittsburgh extended their win streak and stay at the top of the AFC North at 4 and 0.
Pittsburgh Stat Leaders
Ben Roethlisberger 239 Passing Yards 3 Passing Touchdowns
Ray Ray McCloud 63 Yards Rushing
Chase Claypool 7 Reception 110 Yards 3 Touchdowns 1 Rushing Touchdown
Mike Hilton 8 Tackles 1 Sack
Steven Nelson 2 Interceptions
