4 Keys to a Philadelphia Eagles win versus Pittsburgh in Week 5

1. This Philadelphia Eagles offensive line has to be on their A-game.

While Philly’s offensive line has come ready to play in recent weeks, Sunday’s game will be the ultimate test. This might be one of the best defensive lines and front sevens in the entire NFL. First off, Pittsburgh is allowing just 2.7 yards per rush and 54 yards per game. They also haven’t allowed a run over 20 yards yet this season.

Miles Sanders has often been making something out of nothing because the offensive line hasn’t been able to create much space for him. He hasn’t had a run of over 20 yards yet. Many fans have also been disappointed with Boston Scott’s performance thus far but the offensive line hasn’t given him much room to work with either. Most notably, Matt Pryor has really struggled as a run-blocker in the last couple of games.

If the ‘Birds’ want to control the clock and keep this Steelers’ offense off the field so that they cannot get in a rhythm, they will need to run the ball effectively. It would also just be great to see Sanders show out in his hometown. Pittsburgh may start out a little slow after the bye week. We saw it with the 2016 Eagles with the Week 4 bye week. To be fair, Pittsburgh is a far more talented team than that squad but if they come out slow, the Eagles need to take advantage.

Pass protection is the primary thing to keep an eye on with this offensive line though. Jordan Mailata had a solid first start, but he will have a much more difficult task against the athletic Bud Dupree who already has 2.5 sacks, six quarterback hits, and one forced fumble in three games. Lane Johnson practiced in full on Friday but has still been dealing with that ankle injury, and he’ll have to face an elite pass rusher in 25-year-old T.J. Watt.

Then, there’s the interior. Matt Pryor is still a question mark.  Jason Kelce is reliable and Nate Herbig has been solid thus far though. However, Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt are seasoned veterans who get consistent pressure. Javon Hargrave’s successor at nose tackle, Tyson Alualu, has been red-hot to start the season as well. It’s difficult to see the Eagles offensive line holding up but if they do that will be a massive confidence boost. Don’t be surprised if they line up Richard Rodgers next to Mailata to block and keep Sanders in the backfield to pass protect as well. Pittsburgh is going to dial up some stunts and they are also not afraid to blitz and go man coverage all around.