Avant-match Steelers c. Eagles
A guy from the Philadelphia sports radio station had something to say, and he began to chime in on the perceived strained relationship between quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver AJ Brown.
Why aren’t these two Eagles players on the same page? Why has their personal and professional relationship changed while the Eagles are having a great season?
It’s football gossip that’s usually ready to be brought up by an impassioned presenter or exasperated supporter on air – except this time, that comment came from inside the dressing room.
Respected leader Brandon Graham, who is sidelined with a triceps injury, noted during a radio appearance that “things have changed” between Hurts and Brown following the week’s win last, against the Carolina Panthers, during which Hurts obtained only 108 yards through the air.
Graham walked back his comments and apologized. Both Hurts and Brown insisted their relationship was on high in front of hordes of Super Bowl-style media. As for the rest of the Eagles, they were ready to put this so-called controversy to rest.
“We’re moving on,” Eagles offensive lineman Jordan Mailata said. It’s the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. Not the ‘AJ Brown and Jalen Show.’ These are the Pittsburgh Steelers. That’s all. »
Oh yes, the Steelers!
In Western Pennsylvania, the Steelers (10-3) make no noise and win.
Unlike most matchups in history between the two teams, this one has the tantalizing appeal of a potential Super Bowl preview. The Steelers have won seven of their last eight games, and the Eagles (11-2) have won nine in a row and could clinch the NL East title with a win and a Commanders loss or tie of Washington.
This is the first time that the two teams – among the eight original teams of the NFL – will face each other when they both have at least 10 victories on the clock.
Both teams are in good position to make a run at the playoffs – the Eagles led by Saquon Barkley and Russell Wilson and the Steelers atop the AFC North thanks in large part to six wins against teams who currently have losing cases.
“I like playing against really good teams, I think you grow there,” admitted Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. You have to do the work. But damn, I think there’s significant growth in pitting your collective talents and skills against big-time adversaries like they are. »
Will this week’s controversy affect the Eagles? They sure don’t think so and neither do the oddsmakers — the Eagles are favored by five and a half points, according to BetMGM.
“What I’ve noticed about this team and their players is that they are so focused and determined to get better every day,” said Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. We don’t want anyone talking to us about anything other than the Pittsburgh Steelers. »
Good luck with that.
Maybe playing the Steelers at home on Sunday can get the Eagles out of their offensive slump. Hurts threw three touchdown passes to Brown in a 35-13 2022 win at Philadelphia.
