In a season of historic accomplishments, the Philadelphia Eagles extended their winning streak to a franchise-record 10 games with a commanding 27-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15. Behind the rejuvenated arm of Jalen Hurts and standout performances from wide receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, the Eagles solidified their status as one of the NFL’s elite teams heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
The Eagles’ offense, which had faced scrutiny in recent weeks, silenced critics with a sharp performance. Jalen Hurts, who had failed to surpass 200 passing yards in his last three games, rebounded with 290 yards through the air and three total touchdowns. Hurts connected with Brown and Smith for pivotal scores, erasing doubts about any internal discord following comments from injured defensive end Brandon Graham earlier in the week.
On the opening drive, Hurts showcased precision, hitting Smith twice and Brown once to set up Jake Elliott’s 34-yard field goal. Later in the first quarter, Hurts found Brown for a 5-yard touchdown, celebrating with the duo’s rendition of the iconic Kid ’N Play dance. In the second quarter, Hurts capped another drive with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Smith, extending the lead to 17-3.
Smith finished with 11 catches for 109 yards, while Brown added eight receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown. The pair’s dominance came just a week after combining for only eight catches and 80 yards in a victory over Carolina.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, chasing Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record, was held to 65 yards on 19 carries after taking a low hit from Pittsburgh’s Minkah Fitzpatrick in the second quarter. Barkley missed much of the period but returned in the second half, reassuring fans that his right knee was fine. Despite the setback, Barkley remains on pace for history, needing 418 yards in the final three games to surpass Dickerson’s 1984 mark of 2,105 yards.
The Steelers, who entered the game atop the AFC North, struggled to find offensive rhythm against Philadelphia’s defense. Quarterback Russell Wilson threw for a season-low 128 yards, managing just one touchdown — a 9-yard strike to tight end Pat Freiermuth. The absence of leading receiver George Pickens, sidelined for a second straight game with a hamstring injury, was glaring as Pittsburgh’s passing attack faltered.
Pittsburgh’s ground game also suffered, with a botched third-quarter pitch from Wilson to Najee Harris leading to a crucial turnover. The Eagles capitalized, with Hurts scoring on a 1-yard “tush push” to seal the victory.
Adding to Pittsburgh’s woes, star linebacker T.J. Watt left the game in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury. Watt, who leads the team with 11.5 sacks, described the injury as a “rolled ankle” and will be evaluated ahead of next week’s key divisional matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
The loss dropped the Steelers to 10-4, though they clinched a playoff berth earlier in the day thanks to losses by Miami and Indianapolis. Despite the setback, head coach Mike Tomlin downplayed the significance of securing a postseason spot, emphasizing the need for improved play.
Meanwhile, the Eagles improved to 12-2 but were denied a chance to clinch the NFC East after Washington defeated New Orleans earlier in the day.
This marked the first meeting between the Eagles and Steelers with both teams boasting double-digit wins, though the game ultimately lacked the anticipated competitiveness. The Steelers’ drought in Philadelphia continued — they haven’t won on the Eagles’ home turf since October 24, 1965.
Steelers travel to Baltimore for a critical AFC North showdown on Saturday. Eagles face Washington next Sunday in a pivotal NFC East matchup as they look to lock up the division title.
With their 10th consecutive win, the Eagles have cemented their place in the record books while maintaining momentum toward a deep playoff run. For Pittsburgh, the focus shifts to regrouping for their divisional clash as injuries and inconsistency threaten to derail their postseason ambitions.
