8:00PM | Heinz Field | TV: FOX
Tonight’s preseason matchup between the Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles is about as interesting as a preseason game can possibly get. Interesting storylines are everywhere. The Eagles have had a crazy offseason and signed pretty much every big free agent on the market to a deal. No NFL team has the hype that the Eagles do right now.
This also marks the first nationally televised Steelers game of the season. For out-of-towners like myself, this is the first chance to see the 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers in action.
It’s also the first game of the new season at Heinz Field. Even if you are only watching on TV, seeing everybody packed into that stadium for the first time each summer is like meeting up with a new friend you haven’t seen in years. It’s always a sight to behold.
Speaking of old friends, James Harrison and Troy Polamalu will be in action for the first time tonight as well. So many things to look forward to for Steeler Nation.
Three things to watch for
How will the CBs hold up? Starters Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden will not play. William Gay and Keenan Lewis are your two cornerbacks. I would expect them both to be tested early and often down the field.
Tony Hills gets his chance Tony Hills has been one of the worst tackles I’ve seen take the field in a Steelers uniform. But he’s found new lift this training camp at guard and has been pushing Doug Legursky and Ramon Foster for time. He’ll start tonight in place of injured Chris Kemoeatu.
James Harrison vs QBs The Lions Ndamukong Suh got slapped with a $20,000 fine this week for hitting Bengals QB Andy Dalton in the head area. This created about a million jokes and comparisons for the most hated man in football — James Harrison. Tonight is his 2011 debut and it’ll be interesting to see how many penalties, fines, etc are called on him this season.
Eagles Blog To Read
Eagles Eye
On the Steelers:
A look at the Steelers’ safety situation – Nice Pick Cowher
Cameron Heyward on intensity – Tribune Review
Five Steelers to watch tonight – BTSC
On the Eagles:
Who are these Steelers we are playing? – Eagles Eye
Eagles Break Camp on High Note – Eagles Eye
LeSean McCoy anxious to return to Pittsburgh – PennLive
