The Philadelphia Eagles secured their franchise-record 10th straight win with a commanding 27-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. From Jalen Hurts' elite performance to a suffocating defensive effort, the Eagles showed why they remain a top contender as they gear up for the playoffs
This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement to the rest of the NFL. Let’s dive into how each position group graded out in this dominant performance.
Jalen Hurts responds to critics with a stellar performance.
- Passing: 25/32, 290 yards, 2 TDs
- Rushing: 15 attempts, 45 yards, 1 TD
Jalen Hurts silenced doubters with one of his best outings of the season. Completing 25 of 32 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns, Hurts also added 45 rushing yards and a score on the ground.
After a shaky game last week, Hurts’ decision-making and precision were unmatched. The only blemish was a fumble caused by T.J. Watt, but Hurts’ leadership and execution were pivotal in reigniting the Eagles’ passing attack.
Grade: A
The backfield grinded out tough yards against a strong Steelers defense.
- Saquon Barkley: 19 carries, 65 yards; 2 catches, 9 yards
- Kenneth Gainwell: 7 carries, 20 yards; 3 catches, 40 yards
Despite the Steelers’ focus on shutting down the run, Saquon Barkley fought through adversity, managing 74 scrimmage yards while battling an injury. He is now 417 yards shy of Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record.
Kenneth Gainwell made the most of his opportunities, converting three third-down plays with his 40 receiving yards. While the ground game struggled, the backfield's contributions were essential in sustaining drives.
Grade: B
A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith reasserted their dominance.
- A.J. Brown: 8 catches, 110 yards, 1 TD
- DeVonta Smith: 11 catches, 109 yards, 1 TD
The Eagles’ star wideouts answered critics in a big way, combining for 219 yards and two touchdowns. A.J. Brown’s physicality and DeVonta Smith’s route-running precision proved unstoppable.
his marked the first time since 2022 that both players surpassed 100 yards and scored in the same game. Their ability to dominate against a stout Steelers defense silenced questions about the Eagles' passing game.
Grade: A
The offensive line held strong despite injuries.
Lane Johnson minimized the damage from T.J. Watt, one of the NFL's most dangerous pass rushers, while Tyler Steen stepped in for the injured Landon Dickerson and settled down after early penalties.
Despite the loss of both Dickerson (knee) and Mekhi Becton, the unit allowed Jalen Hurts to throw for 290 yards and kept the pocket clean for most of the game. While the run game didn’t find much room, the pass protection was outstanding.
Grade: B+
The defensive line absolutley stifled the Steelers’ ground game.
- Nolan Smith: 4 tackles, 1 sack, 2 QB hits, 2 TFL, 1 PD
- Josh Sweat: 2 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL
The Steelers managed just 56 rushing yards on 17 attempts, thanks to the Eagles’ dominant defensive front. Nolan Smith had a standout performance with four tackles, a sack, and two tackles for loss, while Josh Sweat added another sack.
Their relentless pressure set the tone, forcing Pittsburgh to abandon the run early. The Eagles are one of the best against the rushing attack when playing at the Linc—allowing just 96.5 yards on average at home.
Nolan Smith has made such great strides this season. pic.twitter.com/R6JNvTJKKL
— Word On The Birds (@WordOnTheBirds) December 15, 2024
Grade: A
Nakobe Dean lead the linebacker crew with impactful play.
- Nakobe Dean: 10 tackles, 1 forced fumble
- Zack Baun: 5 tackles
Nakobe Dean’s 10-tackle performance, highlighted by a forced fumble, led the way for the linebackers. Dean played through an elbow brace and made key stops in the run game.
Zack Baun didn’t fill the stat sheet but delivered tight coverage and helped limit Pittsburgh’s passing game. Additionally, Oren Burks and Jalyx Hunt each recorded two tackles of their own.
Grade: A
The secondary shut down Russell Wilson and the Steelers passing game.
- Darius Slay: 1 tackle, 1 fumble recovery
- Reed Blankenship: 3 tackles
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson: 2 tackles
The Eagles’ secondary held Russell Wilson to just 128 passing yards, his lowest total of the season. Darius Slay fought through an injury to recover a crucial fumble, and Reed Blankenship delivered physical plays in key moments.
Pittsburgh’s lone touchdown came on a drive extended by a controversial penalty. Quinyon Mitchell and Darius slay were each handed unsportsmanlike penalties during a scuffle that followed Darnell Washington's arguably excessive blocking beyond the play.
Grade: A-
Special Teams (kicking) showed improvement amongst concerns.
- Jake Elliott: 2/2 on FGs (34, 41 yards)
- Cooper DeJean: 3 punt returns for 29 yards, 1 fumble
- Braden Mann: 1 punt, 29 yards
Jake Elliott rebounded from last week with two clutch field goals, including a nullified 49-yarder that demonstrated his reliability. However, Braden Mann’s 29-yard punt was a rare misstep.
DeJean’s punt return fumble was another lowlight, but overall, the units have improved from prior weeks. Despite not having any attempts from 50+, Elliot's perfect day also set aside any kicking worries for now.
Grade: B-
We won't say the 'S-word' just yet, but the Birds are poised for a deep playoff run.
The Eagles’ dominant win over the Steelers reaffirmed their standing as a top contender. Jalen Hurts and the passing attack proved they can overcome adversity, while the defense showcased its ability to shut down even playoff-caliber opponents.
As the playoffs approach, this team is firing on all cylinders. Can they keep the momentum going in next week’s NFC showdown against Washington? Stay tuned as the Eagles continue their march toward postseason glory.