The Steelers played from behind almost from the opening kickoff and never caught up to the Philadelphia Eagles, who piled up 401 yards of total offense on their way to a 27-13 win.
Russell Wilson and the Steelers gained only 163 yards while the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts passed for 290 yards and two touchdowns. AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith both topped 100 receiving yards and each scored a touchdown and Hurts ran one in. Wilson was held to 128 passing yards and a touchdown.
Even with the loss, the Steelers clinched a playoff berth because the Dolphins and Colts both lost their games.
Coach Mike Tomlin says the Steelers beat themselves.
Tomlin says the Steelers didn’t play sound, basic football.
Wilson says the Steelers failed at key moments in the game.
Wilson says the Steelers’ mistakes cost them a shot at the game.
Defensive lineman Cam Heyward was disappointed in the effort all around.
Steelers injuries included linebacker TJ Watt, who rolled his left ankle. X-rays were negative. Heyward says Watt’s injury is unfortunate, but they still have to get ready for Baltimore, whether Watt’s able to play or not.
Other Steelers who went down in the game were cornerback Donte Jackson, with a back injury, and backup quarterback Justin Fields, who suffered an abdominal strain on an 8-yard gain in the second quarter. They entered the game without injured starters George Pickens, DeShon Elliott, and Larry Ogunjobi.
The loss by the Steelers cut their lead over Baltimore in the AFC North to one game, with the Ravens easily beating the Giants yesterday. The Steelers will play the Ravens on Saturday evening, and with the game a day earlier than normal, coach Tomlin will hold his weekly news conference at noon today rather than tomorrow
NFL
- The Steelers’ Christmas Day opponent, the Kansas City Chiefs, lost quarterback Patrick Mahomes yesterday to an ankle injury. His status for this week against Houston is unknown.
- Hard-luck Browns running back Nick Chubb broke his foot yesterday against the Chiefs and is out for the season.
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