Week 1 NFL preseason preview

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles will do battle throughout this week’s slate of NFL preseason motion on Aug. 12. in Philadelphia. For Pittsburgh, this represents the crew’s second exhibition recreation whereas Philadelphia opens up its summer time slate. Under, we preview this preseason matchup.

Eagles vs Steelers: What you should know

Jalen Hurts vs Dwayne Haskins

The Eagles won’t assure that Jalen Hurts goes to be below heart Week 1 towards the Atlanta Falcons. The truth is, rumors proceed to level within the route of a possible Deshaun Watson trade relying on how his authorized scenario performs out.

In Pittsburgh, Ben Roethlisberger sat out its preseason opener. We’re unsure how a lot he’ll play on this one. As an alternative, all eyes shall be on Haskins after he played well against Dallas. The previous Washington Soccer Group first-round choose may problem for the No. 2 spot.

• Jalen and the Eagles’ offense hurting: Reports from training camp to date counsel that there’s been some main struggles from Philadelphia’s first-team offense. Whereas Hurts continues to be the odds-on favourite to be Philadelphia’s beginning quarterback, additional struggles right here may lay the groundwork for Joe Flacco.
• The Dwayne Haskins dynamic: Then again, every part we’ve heard from Pittsburgh’s camp this summer time means that Haskins has matured on the sphere after two disastrous seasons in D.C. to open his profession. Might he be the quarterback of the longer term? Is it potential Haskins unseats Mason Rudolph to be the No. 2 behind Large Ben?

James Washington vs Pittsburgh Steelers roster bubble

As of proper now, it’s clear who the Steelers’ top-three extensive receivers are. JuJu Smith-Schuster and stud youngster Chase Claypool will get the beginning exterior with Diontae Johnson beginning within the slot.

As for Washington, he may very properly be on the roster bubble and is within the strategy of requesting a commerce.

• James Washington may very well be a goner: Over the course of his first three NFL seasons, this 2018 second-round choose has not upped his recreation. Final season noticed the Oklahoma State product document 30 receptions for 392 yards whereas catching lower than 54% of his targets.
• Pittsburgh Steelers extensive receiver battle: With Washington on the lookout for a commerce, we’re going to be intrigued to see how different children carry out Thursday night. That features Ray-Ray McCloud, Cody White and Mathew Sexton.

Philadelphia Eagles younger receivers vs strong secondary

Reigning Heisman winner and first-round choose Devonta Smith won’t play on this recreation after suffering a minor MCL injury to his knee early in coaching camp. He’s been Philadelphia’s prime receiver this summer time. However this does open issues up for others.

In Pittsburgh, a veteran secondary seemingly received’t have to see a lot motion forward of the regular-season opener. That offers children a possibility to show themselves right here.

• Eagles extensive receiver group: We have to see extra from 2020 first-round choose Jalen Reagor after an unproductive rookie campaign. It’s additionally going to be fascinating to see if JJ Arcega-Whiteside even has a future in Philadelphia. A number of that may rely upon how fellow teen Quez Watkins performs throughout the preseason.
• Pittsburgh Steelers depth: Joe Haden and Cameron Sutton stay Pittsburgh’s prime corners. Nonetheless, the slot nook place stays up within the air. Proper now, it’s between Antoine Brooks Jr. and Arthur Maulet. That’s an enormous battle. We’re additionally intrigued to see how unproven cowl guys corresponding to Justin Layne and Mark Gilbert carry out.

Backside line: This Eagles vs Steelers preseason matchup is at all times enjoyable for bragging rights in Pennsylvania. Whereas it received’t matter as soon as the common season comes calling, count on a highly-entertaining affair. With Pittsburgh’s starters taking part in greater than its counterparts, search for the Steelers to come back away with the win.