Steelers-Eagles First Half Analysis
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This is the only half of meaningful football we're going to see all pre-season, so I think it warrants being covered.
The thing that stands out most is that the offense is mostly crisp. Pass protection has been more than adequate except on a few blitzes, and he running game started looking okay late in the half. Roethlisberger threw an interception early, but upon further review it was revealed that the pass was deflected at the line and knocked off course by about 10 degrees, and also shorter than intended. It was an ill-advised throw, though, as Ben was under heavy pressure and all but wrapped up. It would have been better to take the sack even without the deflection.
The defense has been stout, too. For the first time all pre-season, they've shown a good pass rush that provided three sacks and a lot of hurries. On the first drive, the defensive backs were playing way too far off the line, but Deshea Townsend showed great patience on the Eagles' first drive by not overpursuing a receiver, stopping him after a short gain rather than allowing a big play. On the Eagles' third drive, he went stride for stride deep with Kevin Curtis, showing he still has the speed to play with quick receivers.
The defense's best moment of the night so far came on a great goal-line stand after Dan Sepulveda shanked a punt, giving Philly the ball at the Steelers' 20 to start their drive. On third down, Anthony Smith met the intended receiver at the goal line and hit him hard enough to knock the ball loose and break up the pass. The best part was that the hit would have stopped the receiver short of the end zone even if he had held on to the ball. Philadelphia's only points of the half came on the ensuing 21-yard field goal.
The Steeler offense managed to get into the red zone three times, and looked like a sure bet to put up a touchdown on their third drive after Heath Miller made an outstanding catch. The moment the ball got there, so did safety Sean Considine laying a good lick on the big tight end. The collision actually sent considine to the ground, and Miller sprinted toward the end zone, finally being brought down at the 1-yard line. Unfortunately, Willie Parker went into the pile a few plays later standing as straight as Lady Liberty, and wound up coughing up the ball for the second turnover of the night.
On their fifth possession, the Steelers finally got on the board by marching 80 yards in 10 plays — including a 20-yard screen to Parker, 14- and 22-yard passes to Santonio Holmes and an 18-yard scamper up the middle by Parker to seal the deal. Mike Tomlin ought to look at that touchdown very carefully before he makes a decision on whether or not to keep Dan Kreider around. His block, as well as a great smackdown by Chris Kemoeatu and a good downfield block by Holmes, was what sprung Parker into the second level and, ultimately, into the end zone.
The offense got one more shot after a three-and-out by the Eagles, and they moved 53 yards in five plays before settling for a late field goal by Jeff Reed.
If there's anything worthwhile in the second half, you'll find out about it here.
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