Eagles Vs Steelers Preseason: Six Things To Watch For
by JasonB on Aug 18, 2011 12:13 PM EDT
in Philadelphia Eagles News
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PrintThe Eagles will be looking to build on their strong preseason opener while the Steelers will look to rebound from a sorry showing against the Redskins as the two teams square off tonight in Pittsburgh. Andy Reid says he plans to pay his starters for a full half, but as usual that's probably flexible depending on how they look. So, here are five things to look for tonight.
Keep up the pressure from the front four
Easily the most impressive unit in the first preseason game was the front four and the pressure they generated. The way they seemed to be in the backfield every play was basically everything we all hoped to see when Jim Washburn was brought in. What we'd like to see tonight is that last week was no fluke and given how bad the Steelers' pass protection is, they will certainly have every opportunity.
How will DeSean Jackson look?
While DeSean certainly looked like he was already at full speed in his first couple practices, it will be good to see him in a game situation. He missed about the first two weeks of camp and didn't play against the Ravens last week, so while this will be his first test to be sure he's fully fit and ready to go.
Can Casey Matthews start to settle the debate?
If there's one big giant question mark on the Eagles defense, it's right in the middle with Casey Matthews. The rookie is really the only projected starter that we really have no idea what to expect from. Some people liked what they saw from him last week, others didn't... personally, I don't know how we could really get much of anything from the eight total snaps he played. Here's hoping he gets some real time in there tonight so we can finally get a good look at this kid.
King Dunlap on the blind side
There will be no Ryan Harris or Winston Justice this week, which means King Dunlap will start at right tackle tonight. Andy Reid said that it's a big opportunity for King to prove he belongs.
"It's an opportunity, right? What more can you ask for being a football player? You're given an opportunity to work with the ones so you go in and try to capture the moment."
How will the secondary look with more time to play?
One thing we know for a fact is that the Eagles secondary is going to be good with Nnamdi Asomugha and Asante Samuel as the two starters. You really can't go wrong there... but it is a new look and they really only played a handful of snaps last week so we didn't really get to see them in action. It will be good to see those guys work for a at least a couple series.
The law offices of Henery and Henry
It's important just to see these two get work tonight and in every other preseason game. Alex Henery hit both of the FGs he lined up for last week, but both were 35 yards or less. It would be nice to see him line up for a 40+ yarder and be put under some pressure.
As for Chas Henry, it's also about getting him work. He looked fine last week, but with punting it's really all about consistency. So the rest of this preseason will be about seeing if he can be consistent and basically not screw up.
Andy talked about the kicking game this week.
"I'm good with it. Listen, we have a couple young guys who are feeling their way out with this thing. You know, they're new in it and it's important that they get a lot of reps. So I'm okay there. I know there's going to be a good day and a bad day and I understand that right now. I always go back and mention the greatest kicker, if not one of the best kickers in Eagles history, was [K] David Akers. And David was released from a team and brought here as a backup and you saw him grow. So it's important, something you learn from that is give [K Alex Henery] an opportunity here; give him an opportunity to grow here and the more balls he kicks under pressure the better. And you come out to Lehigh and there's a little pressure plus the players and that's all good stuff, man. That helps you down the road and he handles that pretty well. And then our punter, it's a little different deal but if you don't have people hootin' and hollerin' at you and they're more in awe when you kick the ball as a punter. But he's done a nice job too. So I'm happy with them, they just need to continue to progress."
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It truly is unreal, but no worse than some of these lame rules that “protect the QB.”
"Grow nothing, buy the 'Pen" (Wieters Weiners)
by IggesRule13 on Aug 18, 2011 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
What needs to happen, is for a kicker to kick it HIGHER and SHORTER, give the kicking team time to get downfield, and pin them inside the twenty.
instead of power kicking, more precise placement inside the 10 with some good hangtime, to get the kicking team downfield.
by thePurpleLion on Aug 18, 2011 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Why?
I guarantee more often then not they will get past the 20 and your also putting a kick return for a TD into play. Your risking a few yards before the 20 for a much much worse consenquence. Kickers will be kicking it as far as they can all year long.
by Mike Will is DoubleDown on Aug 18, 2011 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I am happy about the light tap on the head refurbishing...
supposedly the rule was changed to allow smacks to the head as long as they were light or inadvertent. We’ll see how the refs do though
Reporter: "Randall, why do you think you can fly?"
Randall: "Because I'm an Eagle." HA
Are you ready for some football!?
I know I am! Hopefully the 1st team runs by the Steelers and watches out for the 685 dirty players residing in Pittsburgh. No injuries!
"Grow nothing, buy the 'Pen" (Wieters Weiners)
Whats up with everyone with the same fucking avatar people.
It fucking annoying as hell. Its how we tell people apart on here . They are suppose to be unique. Flip a coin or something. Give it to JasonB because he runs the site, Do something.
by greenage on Aug 18, 2011 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
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This
"Grow nothing, buy the 'Pen" (Wieters Weiners)
by IggesRule13 on Aug 22, 2011 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, for real
Will everyone who copied my purple star on a black background get your own shit?
No.
My Eagles Blog: Iggles Nest
You can follow us on twitter. That's where I talk about the Eagles in 140 characters or less.
"If there's one big giant question mark on the Eagles offense, it's right in the middle with Casey Matthews."
Casey Matthews plays on the defense, just saying.
Philly Forged!
ha
I’m not the only one who caught that
by ChillBillinChina on Aug 18, 2011 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
oops…
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Edit
Casey Matthews is a question on the middle of the defense, not offense.
by ChillBillinChina on Aug 18, 2011 12:19 PM EDT reply actions
Nope, he switched. Just like Juan did.
If you dont like Big Red, then F#%@ You!
-Ricky Bobby
by GreenInBaltimore on Aug 18, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Lets Go King
Show the world that the You belong on the dream team with a copious amount of talent. Dictate that blind side, yo.
I'll Have a Samuel Jackson. It'll get ya drunk. Mmm-mmm b***h.
Why isn't Ryan Harris playing?
Have I overlooked an injury?
by CrazyBoutTheGreen on Aug 18, 2011 12:24 PM EDT reply actions
Yes you have.
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just looked it up and I know what the problem is...
He went to Notre Dame. He’s been overrated since his freshman year…
by CrazyBoutTheGreen on Aug 18, 2011 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey!
Formerly number5
"If Revis has an Island, Asomugha should have a continent." - #5
RIP JJ
by HawaiianGreen on Aug 18, 2011 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Who doesn't?
Formerly number5
"If Revis has an Island, Asomugha should have a continent." - #5
RIP JJ
by HawaiianGreen on Aug 18, 2011 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
You were right the first time
tuned it into a possessive the second time.
(consider that nit picked)
by Georgia_Flyer on Aug 18, 2011 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Matchups and things in common
In both cases, we have a stacked WR corps going against a talented secondary, and a skilled receiving TE to battle the linebacker corps. The difference is that Pittsburgh’s LB corps is more established.
Another thing both teams have in common is that after their # 1 RB, the picture looks pretty unclear, so a lot of alternative RB’s will be tested.
Also, both teams are reworking their offensive line and trying or needing to improve from last year.
"Verde que te quiero verde..."
Το πράσινο είναι ζωή!
That's right, I bleed green multiculturally
"if you shut someone down with class, it's more effective" - Udalango
The Eagles backup RB situation isn’t unclear at all. It’s Ronnie Brown.
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Took the words right out of my mouth
Born in North Carolina; raised a Philly fan
by CarolinaGreen on Aug 18, 2011 3:47 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
The Steelers secondary really isn’t that good. Troy’s a beast of course, and Ryan Harris is an above average safety but their CBs are pretty weak.
Fly Eagles Fly, on the road to Vicktory!
by KeepSwinging on Aug 18, 2011 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Steelers LB vs Dunlap & Watkins
If you are someone who prays….better start praying for Vick right now….
FLY #7 FLY !!!
In MUDD I trust !!!
Ingram watch starts tonight
I hope the kid has some nice catches and shows his blocking has improved. I rather have his upside than keepin Lee.
STAY SHADY, my friend
by ErickW on Aug 18, 2011 12:28 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I am looking forward to seeing the formations on defense to keep Asante, DRC and NA on the field. I think they will play around with them a lot tonight to figure out what works and what doesnt….
If you dont like Big Red, then F#%@ You!
-Ricky Bobby
by GreenInBaltimore on Aug 18, 2011 12:31 PM EDT reply actions
It seems like no one even knew he was on the team during training camp
And then, simultaneously, everyone went and checked out tight end depth chart. And said, ‘Oh shit, Cornelius Ingram is on the team still? I remember when we drafted him! He’s really athletic, right?’
I’d personally love to see him succeed and nab a spot on the roster, but he needs to prove something to us on (pre-season)game day.
Sweet, might be good to see Ingram on some snaps...RT and DFense are something to worry...
Defense only cause it’s Jauns first time as D Coordinator…If they gel quickly, it should be bangin’!
by EaglesForever20 on Aug 18, 2011 12:31 PM EDT reply actions
I will be keeping an eye on Casey Matthews and the LB core.
I want to see how they handle Rashard Mendenhall and the Steelers run game.
I also want to see if the offense moves down the field as smoothly as they did against the Ravens. Plus I am excited to see what Lewis can do against their defense, even if its the Steelers backups.
Philly Forged!
Dunlap wins the starting job tonight.
"Descartes commanded the future from his study more than Napoleon did from his throne."
by Euler.is.a.Pimp on Aug 18, 2011 12:54 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
HA!
Every time a Cowboy hates, an Eagle gets his wings.
by Spurs Yoda on Aug 18, 2011 5:06 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Doubt we'll see it but...
I would love for Pitt to just pound the rock up the middle on offense. If I’m gameplanning for this PHI defense I’m targeting the weak spots which are all up the middle (dt, MLB, safties). I like our DTs but I want to see what happens when a guy like Pouncey opens up a big hole into the 2nd level. What’s Casey gonna do? How will the safeties react? Unfortunately becuz this is preseason I just don’t foresee teams practicing the HB draws and simple run plays up the middle.
by andyreidswaistline on Aug 18, 2011 12:59 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Well, Pouncey wasn’t a special blocker last year and doesn’t have the size to blow up anyone. BUt overall they have been a team that can run the ball and I’d like to see them try it tonight to see where are our guys stand.
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He played what? Six snaps?
ok…
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He didn't look anything
He looked like he checked in the game accidentally, checked out, and never returned.
How do people pull these conclusions out of the air? That’s not how the world works, people – you have to evaluate and then determine, not determine and then blindly defend your position with little to no evidence.
by cwel87 on Aug 18, 2011 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Because people are nervous, with high expectations of a 1st round pick, so they get discouraged when they see nothing that show them, “Hey look Watkins is going to be dominant.”
"Descartes commanded the future from his study more than Napoleon did from his throne."
by Euler.is.a.Pimp on Aug 18, 2011 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Six.
And no, that’s not the number of times we’ve beaten the Giants consecutively. That’s the number of snaps Watkins saw.
Patience. It’s a freakin’ virtue, people.
I thought Danny Watkins looked pretty good.
I’m pretty sure he blocked Ngata pretty well on one play in particular where Ngata was at LDE. Ngata is 92 right? I thought based on that one battle he looked pretty promising.
he was getting bullied
if your talking about the first game im pretty sure he saw more than 6 snaps, and every time i saw him he was getting pushed around like it was nothing
by brendenp2011 on Aug 20, 2011 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m no King Dunlap fan… but you guys forget last year too easy. He really was fine when he had to play.
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Different year
Different linemates…
Different coach…
Different techniques….
Different QB…..
Because of those things, I have to forget about the past and focus on what ive seen so far from him this year, and from what ive seen in TC and against the Ravens…. I am not impressed at all…
FLY #7 FLY !!!
In MUDD I trust !!!
O-Line and D-Line play
It all starts there.
"When life hands you lemons, make a profit." - Chet Cashley
Back end of the CB depth chart
I want to see if Lindey and Marsh can finally start putting Hanson and Hughes in their rearview
Queen on the blindside?
Vick better not play a single snap then
"if you’re going to act like bitches, then I will treat you like bitches". - AR
Do you hear that? That's the sound of the media ramming the Miracle at the New Meadowlands down your throat for the rest of your life...BAHAHAHAHA....
Dunlap was actually decent when he played last year.
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Yea but we're talkin about pay day Woodley here
I’ll just clinch my bible the whole time
"if you’re going to act like bitches, then I will treat you like bitches". - AR
Do you hear that? That's the sound of the media ramming the Miracle at the New Meadowlands down your throat for the rest of your life...BAHAHAHAHA....
o
Just kidding.
I havent been this excited for a half of a pre-season game in quite some time.
Why come you don't have a tattoo?
Rothlisburger throwing a bomb to Nnamdi
Team Aldridge
by Sabonis4Ever on Aug 18, 2011 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
screen to mccoy!
make them over-zealous LB’s whiff!!!
by thePurpleLion on Aug 18, 2011 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions
king dunlap picks his nose during the first snap
Guenth
by phuckthat on Aug 18, 2011 3:07 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Ummm... what the hell?
Lion DC calls Nnamdi Asomugha a “one trick pony”.
“The problem is the way the rules are the 6-2 guys can’t play,” Cunningham said. “You’ve got one guy in the league, Nnamdi, and all he does is press. You ever see him make a tackle? He presses the wide receiver, and he’s great at it. But there’s more to playing DB than just pressing wide receivers.”
Never call a Phillies, Eagles, Flyers or Sixers fans, a band-wagoner. It is disrespectful. We have suffered agony through the years. Philadelphians should be jovial for their teams' success.
The Eagles are in every teams' head.
Never call a Phillies, Eagles, Flyers or Sixers fans, a band-wagoner. It is disrespectful. We have suffered agony through the years. Philadelphians should be jovial for their teams' success.
by chillyphilly on Aug 18, 2011 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
It really doesn't matter what others think
You only have to make tackles if the opposing receiver catches the football.
I just find it funny that he went out his way to say that.
Never call a Phillies, Eagles, Flyers or Sixers fans, a band-wagoner. It is disrespectful. We have suffered agony through the years. Philadelphians should be jovial for their teams' success.
by chillyphilly on Aug 18, 2011 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s obviously bitter since they thought they were in the Asomugha sweepstakes. He’s an Eagle now and they really need to get over it. Much like the Pokes fans on BTB who are now chirping about how we overpaid for an “aging” CB even though they wanted him too. Too bad! Haha…
by 92-74-99-96 on Aug 18, 2011 4:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Agreed. I don’t know where this notion of him being a poor tackler came from. Much like he only has X number if picks because teams generally ignore his side of the field. Ridiculous.
by 92-74-99-96 on Aug 18, 2011 4:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I have class tonight HELP
Does anyone know if they will be airing an encore?
"Philly fans are the greatest in the nation" --- Anyone with common sense
I'm sure
Thy will replay it all week on NFL Network
Born in North Carolina; raised a Philly fan
by CarolinaGreen on Aug 18, 2011 4:02 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Replays on NFL network
2 am and 7 am Saturday morning
Born in North Carolina; raised a Philly fan
by CarolinaGreen on Aug 18, 2011 4:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Nice write up
All I can say is I would like some of you to shut the fuck up. Everybody is judging people last week of all the 10 snaps or less the played, You can not judge with that, come back and see me tomorrow and tell me how bad someone looked or how good they looked, Only person we can judge was the 3rd team and some 2nd team and Ronnie Brown I am really liking as our reserve back,, Again please come back tomorrow and tell me how bad they look when we see 15 or 20 snaps out of them maybe more.
It seems like when a person switches teams they get all sorts of good and bad criticism. DeSean Jackson seems to be doing quite good, other than the fact that he missed the first couple of weeks of the practice.
Halloween World
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