The Steelers first team offense looked much better this week in their second preseason game after struggling in Washington D.C. the week before.
The Steelers took the opening kickoff and drove 80 yards in 14 plays for a touchdown as Pittsburgh beat the Philadelphia Eagles, 24-14, at Heinz Field.
“We found ways to make plays. Guys found ways to get open and I found a way to get them the ball,” said Ben Roethlisberger.
Then on their second drive, the starting offense again drove 14 plays for 96 yards for a Roethlisberger to Hines Ward 20 yard touchdown.
“To come out and get 14 points on a great team like the Eagles shows that we are moving in the right direction toward Baltimore,” said Hines Ward in anticipation for the season opener against the Ravens.
But with the success, comes hardship. On the first offensive play from scrimmage for the Steelers, projected starting left tackle Jonathan Scott went down with a right knee injury. He didn’t return.
Scott was replaced by rookie Marcus Gilbert, but he later also left with a knee injury, leaving Tony Hills as next in line at left tackle.
“I think that I will be OK,” said Scott. “I couldn’t be standing here right now if it was season ending. I don’t have 100% data of what it is, but I put the trust in the medical staff that they’ll give me clearance tomorrow.”
On the other side of the ball, the Steelers defense shutout the Eagles in the first half, picking off Michael Vick three times and holding them to just 71 yards.
“We did well,” said defensive end Brett Keisel. “Anytime you get turnovers like that, it’s good. It’s better than last week and that’s what we wanted to do.”
Notes: Roethlisberger finished the game 8 for 12 for 125 yards and two touchdowns in two drives… The Steelers outgained the Eagles 262-71 in the first half… After Hines Ward scored early in the second quarter, he proceeded to display what he learned on Dancing with the Stars with a short, choreographed dance. “I got’em lined up. That was the samba”… Select season ticket holders were given Steelers jerseys and Terrible Towels and created the beginning part of the tunnel for the Steelers to run through during pregame introductions
Image Source – (Photo by Noel Latham)
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