Steelers vs. Eagles: What they're saying in Philadelphia after win

As is becoming tradition, the Pittsburgh Steelers left Philadelphia without a win Sunday.

For nearly six decades now, the Eagles (12-2) have been beating the Black and Gold (10-4) on their home turf. Sunday’s matchup kept with the status quo, with Philadelphia coming out on top at Lincoln Financial Field by a score of 27-13.

Well, at least the Steelers aren’t the only ones in the AFC North to lose to the Eagles this season.

The #Eagles sweep the AFC North ????‍???? pic.twitter.com/NRvcFf6GHP

— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) December 16, 2024

“Thanks in part to a game plan that leaned more on the passing attack against a top rushing defense, and perhaps in part because of Saquon Barkley getting banged up, the Eagles moved the ball downfield in a variety of ways,” writes Jeff Neiburg of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “They used empty backfields, plenty of motion, and got Brown and DeVonta Smith involved early.”

“Jalen was in complete control,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said following the game. “Another good day by him.”

The Eagles did manage to cough the ball up twice — once by Hurts — in a very short span of time in the first quarter. However, Neiburg writes, “That Hurts fumble, and another by punt returner Cooper DeJean, did not come back to haunt the Eagles because of how strong the team’s defense played.”

Of the Steelers’ offense, though, Philadelphia Tribune writer Dan Geldson said, “Pittsburgh’s Russell Wilson was stymied by the Eagles’ tough defense and threw for a season-low 128 yards.”

More sports

• Airing of Grievances: Tackling woes, failed conversion downs sink Steelers' latest attempt to win in Philadelphia
• First Call: Steelers early underdogs in Baltimore; Patrick Mahomes injures ankle
• Madden Monday: On loss to Philly — 'I never felt the Steelers were in danger of winning that game'

Many in the Philly sports media focused on the Eagles’ defense as a key to their win.

“The Eagles’ defense set the tone on the opening drive in a battle between two teams who take pride in being physical, forcing a quick three and out,” wrote Cory Nidoh of Metro Philadelphia.

Of course, even one Eagle gave some respect to the Steelers’ defense. One member of the unit anyway.

Following Sunday’s game, Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson had some interesting praise for linebacker T.J. Watt.

“I had (expletive) nightmares of that guy (T.J. Watt),” Johnson told the media after the game. “When you watch people play this guy, they don’t ever leave him alone. They chip him every play. Coaches believe in me. I’m glad they do, but I may have a couple shots tonight.”

Watt ended the game with a pair of sacks, but left early with an ankle injury.

As for the fans, there certainly was evidence they have little respect for the Black and Gold.

NO WAY… An #Eagles fan was spotted outside the stadium walking a #Steelers helmet.

????????????

Philly.

(???? @BarstoolPhilly) pic.twitter.com/jNlDJ7zV3B

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) December 15, 2024

Other fans were basking in Hurts’ performance on the field in the wake of recent criticism.

Hurts silenced everyone, tired of people discrediting him ????#eagles #JalenHurts #steelers

— Denise Meads (@lifewdenise) December 16, 2024

While some were just not trying to be nice in any way.

The #Steelers are frauds man. Get over it. The #Eagles are getting hot when it matters. Try to keep up https://t.co/dfoq1eFBXA

— JMan (@RustyShack23) December 16, 2024

#Eagles still haven't played a good defense. #Steelers

— Lemon Head (@BringLemons) December 16, 2024

i think this game says more about the #steelers than it does the #eagles. People trying to spin it that the Steelers could be contenders and that's just a funny joke.

— Tyler Mapp (@streetmapp) December 16, 2024

One Inquirer reader named cptathens put it pretty plainly: “Pittsburgh is the worst 10-4 team in football. I doubt they win a game in the playoffs.”

Yikes.