Coach Mike Tomlin hopes Pittsburgh Steelers beat Philadelphia Eagles to go 2-2 in AFC North – NFL Preview
The Pittsburgh Steelers stand a chance of improving their standing in the American Football Conference (AFC) North division to 2-2 record, just behind the division leader Baltimore Ravens (3-1) with a win over the visiting Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday
(Oct. 07).
The expected return of linebacker James Harrison, running back Rashard Mendenhall and safety Troy Polamalu should boost the Steelers on the defensive and offensive lines.
Harrison can particularly play a great role in the team’s victory for his daring challenging and tackling. It will be his first game of the season because he has not played one since having a knee procedure in August this year.
Although the Eagles are coming into the game with a better record (3-1) against the Steelers’ 1-2, all three wins have been very tight for the former. They have won two games with a single point margin while one with two points. So while they hold the potential
of defeating the Steelers, a win will not be easy for them at all. They must fight very hard and until closing seconds of the game to make sure they get it done at the end.
It was down on the superb finish by quarterback Michael Vick that helped the Eagles win in closing seconds of a couple of games. For example, their game versus Cleveland Browns ended this way.
The QB explains the situation:
"I just played smarter. The thing is in this game you can't force opportunities against the defence, you have to let it come.”
He added:
"I'll be honest, missing the preseason did affect me to a certain extent, but now I'm getting into my groove and seeing the field a little better. The guys around me are helping me and that's important."
The Steelers on the other hand are better placed for the forthcoming game. Their offence leader quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is going as strong as ever with wide receiver Mike Wallace complementing the QB’s performance being at the receiving end of his
throws.
Ben says it is crucial for the Steelers that they register another win this weekend and said the team is well prepared for this.
He said:
"There's no panic in here. It's still a marathon, but we need to get a win."
Coach Mike Tomlin is also hopeful of the Steelers’ victory chances. It is not just that the team has the home-field advantage but the coach sees a genuine improvement on the offence line under supervision of first-year offensive coordinator Todd Haley that
should come to the team’s plus against the visitors.
The Steelers are desperate for a win given another couple losses will push them far behind their rivals in their division.
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