Steelers Struggle In Preseason Loss To The Eagles

(August 8, 2012 - Source: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images North America)

Photo Credit: Jeff Zelevansky – Getty Images: Aug. 2012

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles preseason game was mostly pass oriented. The Eagles’ passing game resulted in 300 yards and a touchdown, while throwing one interception. Even though the Steelers, who probably have the stronger receiving corps, threw for three touchdowns, it was not enough to overcome the running game from LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles.

Three touchdowns on the running game and 182 yards rushing on 5.2 yards per carry, seemed to be the difference maker on offense for the Eagles. The running game tandem in Pittsburgh of Le’Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount played but were both arrested for possession of marijuana the day before the game. They didn’t seem to have control when given the ball, totaling a measly 58 yards on 3.4 yards per carry. It really came down to the running game which was the deciding factor of the outcome.

The Steelers are arguably known for their defensive front seven, yet it showed to be a continuous issue yesterday. They finished last year out of the top ten in total defense for only the second time in 10 years. The question seems to remain, will the Steelers’ defense revert to what it used to be? They added Ryan Shazier in the first round out of Ohio State, who had six tackles yesterday and Stephon Tuitt in the second round from Notre Dame to hopefully shape up their defense for this upcoming season. Even though it is the preseason and against an explosive offense, the Steelers seemed to have caused some worry on the defensive side of the ball.

Ben Roethlisberger failed to show the dominance he had going for him last year, where he had arguably one of his best years as a quarterback, including his second most touchdowns and yards thrown in a season. Their season was of much disappointment though, having missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

Will Mike Tomlin lead the Steelers back to the “promised land” for the fourth time in 10 years? Even though it is the preseason, their latest match up was not a prime example of their significant improvement.