The Eagles' Good, Bad & Ugly: Eagles Top Steelers 17-0
PITTSBURGH, PA (CBS) — There were a lot of good things to like, some things to dislike and a few things that were ugly in the Eagles' 17-0 whitewash of the Pittsburgh Steelers Thursday night at Heinz Field. Though this is preseason, that's how the Eagles will have to win games this season—with defense and turnovers.
The Good
Cornerback Nolan Carroll II's 38-yard pick-six in the first quarter.
Safety Malcolm Jenkins' interception in the end zone late in the first quarter.
Cornerback Aaron Grymes' interception in the end zone with just over two minutes left in the half.
Safety Jaylen Watkins' pick athat set up Cody Parkey's 40-yard field goal to close the half.
Wide receiver Paul Turner continues to make a case to make this team. He had three catches and was targeted three times for 44 yards, including an amazing one-handed grab on a third-and-four at the Pittsburgh 43. It led to Kenjon Barner's 5-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
Speaking of Barner, the running back showed a smooth style and sharp cut-back ability in rushing for a team-high 41 yard on six carries.
Guard Barrett Jones looked far better than he did last week. The fourth-round pick out of Alabama knows this may be his last NFL stop, so these nest three weeks are big for him.
Quarterback Chase Daniel was far better than he was in his first preseason game. Daniel guided the Eagles on a 15-play, 87-yard drive on the first series in the second half. It gave the Eagles a 17-0 lead.
The defense has given up one touchdown in eight quarters this preseason. They've also forced nine turnovers in that span.
The Bad
Penalties, penalties, penalties. The first team had six penalties for 54 yards in the first half. The Birds were flagged 11 times for 70 yards against Tampa Bay last week. In two games they've been penalized 21 times for 154 yards (including the 10 for 84 against Pittsburgh).
The Ugly
The Eagles' first-team offense—and Eagles' fans better used to it. They picked up a mere 122 yards on 26 plays, and at times were tossed all over Heinz Field. The Eagles' starting wide receiver tandem of Nelson Agholor and Rueben Randle were targeted five times and they caught four passes for 40 yards.
