Here’s the latest Steelers at Eagles highlights, recap and score results info for their 2016 NFL Week 3 game at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.
On Sunday afternoon, two of the league’s 2-0 squads faced off as the Steelers battled the Eagles for the right to stay undefeated. Philadelphia had been untested so far in the season, but were able to continue to show they belong in the discussion of the league’s top teams. They would go on to put together a dominant performance, winning 34-3 against a team that was considered amongst the early contenders in the league.
Carson Wentz continued the hot start to his career, comfortably leading his team to a field goal and a touchdown in just the first quarter. Through two games and a quarter of play, the rookie quarterback has now thrown three touchdowns with no interceptions.
Veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hooked up with receivers Sammie Coates and Antonio Brown to get his team within field goal range in the second quarter. That brought the Steelers within a touchdown of the Eagles, but it was as close as they’d get for the half.
Wentz and the Eagles would make it 3-for-3 on scoring drives, as they’d charge down the field and add another field goal just ahead of the two minute warning. Philadelphia would close out the first half leading 13-3 behind Carson Wentz’s 183 yards passing and a touchdown. The Eagles’ defense also effectively shut down the run, holding DeAngelo Williams to just seven yards on six carries for the half.
The Eagles picked up right where they left off, this time connecting on a huge passing play in the third quarter. Darren Sproles navigated down the open field, eluding Steelers’ defenders to reach the end zone for a 73-yard touchdown reception.
With a 27-3 lead, Philadelphia continued to show defensive presence as they sacked Roethlisberger on back-to-back plays late in the third. The second of those led to a fumble recovered by the Eagles. Barner would score another touchdown on the ground to extend to a 34-3 lead by the home team.
The Steelers were unable to put up any more points in this latest effort. The Eagles’ defense shut down any further attempts by Roethlisberger or the runners. Overall, Philadelphia played a complete game on both sides of the ball, showing that this team is certainly one of the early contenders in the NFC. In a game that was considered to be their first “true test” of the young season, it seems the Eagles passed this one with flying colors.
Highlights
NOTE: Highlights will go here as they happen live.
Three Stars of the Game
Here are three players to keep an eye on as possible stars of the game.
1. Carson Wentz
Wentz has continued play calmly and comfortably under pressure. He has yet to throw an interception and has thrown a touchdown pass in each of his three games so far. He had great protection from his offensive line, as no sacks were given up. In today’s matchup, Wentz showed excellent poise and decision making including a huge 73-yard touchdown reception by Sproles, among other plays. It seems this young quarterback has set the bar high for himself so far, but his skills only seem to improve with each game.
2. Darren Sproles
Wentz has plenty of weapons to choose from, but today it was clear that Sproles was his biggest asset. The Eagles receiver was targeted six times and made all six receptions. He finished with 128 yards on the day and a touchdown including his epic 73-yard catch in the third quarter. Philadelphia’s receiving unit had a total of 301 yards on the day to help lead them to victory and Sproles had nearly half of that.
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3. Wendell Smallwood
While there were many heroes in today’s win for Philadelphia, Smallwood was part of the 125 yards on the ground for his team. He finished with 79 yards himself and a touchdown to lead the way his team’s rushing unit. Kenjon Barner chipped in 42 yards and a touchdown for a strong all-around performance from Philadelphia’s offense today.
Odds
The Steelers first opened with the point spread at 5-1/2 points in their favor. Throughout the week the line moved down as low as 3-1/2 points in the Steelers’ favor at many sports books.
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Next Week
In Week 4, the Philadelphia Eagles will have their bye week. The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Kansas City Chiefs for Sunday Night Football beginning at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time.