The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the most challenging stretch of their 2024 schedule, facing the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs in a grueling span of just 10 days. This daunting stretch tests even the most resilient teams, but fortunately for Pittsburgh, they’ve built a strong 10-3 record heading into Week 15. While the pressure to perform is high, their impressive season so far provides a much-needed cushion for this uphill battle, as many anticipated this stretch would be pivotal to their playoff positioning.

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Former Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden ahead of a game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Jon Gruden, who has been one of the Steelers’ biggest admirers this season, isn’t as optimistic about their chances against the Eagles. Despite praising Pittsburgh’s overall performance, Gruden expressed serious doubts about the Steelers’ ability to overcome Philadelphia’s relentless pass rush and explosive offense. Speaking on Bussin’ With The Boys, Gruden predicted that the Steelers will face an ugly loss in Week 15, noting the Eagles’ dominance at home and their knack for capitalizing on their opponents’ weaknesses.

The Steelers will need to rely on their depth, discipline, and preparation to navigate this brutal stretch of games. With Baltimore and Kansas City looming, a loss to the Eagles could set the tone for a difficult close to the regular season. However, if they can pull off a win, it would be a statement to the league that Pittsburgh is a true contender in 2024. Either way, the upcoming games are shaping up to define the Steelers’ season and playoff aspirations.

“The offensive line, this Mekhi Becton, playing right guard, he’s 350 pounds,” Gruden said. “He almost killed an LA Ram on the second level. I really have Philadelphia getting the boot and sticking it up Pittsburgh’s a** in this game. They are physical on the line.”

Gruden believes this game will be decided in the trenches, and he sees the Eagles holding a clear advantage in that area. It’s hard to argue otherwise, considering the Eagles’ offensive line is playing exceptional football right now.

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Eagles’ AJ Brown attempts to run away from a group of Steelers defenders.

They’ll present a significant challenge for the Steelers’ pass rush, but Pittsburgh is getting healthier and has its own formidable weapons to create matchup problems.

Steelers Have A Way To Slow Down The Eagles’ Offense

That’s what makes this game so intriguing. The Steelers boast a fierce quartet of outside linebackers in TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and Preston Smith, all eager to disrupt Jalen Hurts.

Slowing down that relentless pass rush will be no easy task for the Eagles. On the other hand, Philadelphia has a game-changing weapon in star running back Saquon Barkley, who is in the midst of a historic season. For Pittsburgh to come out on top, finding a way to contain Barkley will be absolutely critical.

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Steelers’ Nick Herbig celebrates with TJ Watt after massive splash play.

This game features several thrilling matchups, including the showdown between wide receiver AJ Brown and the Steelers’ secondary as they attempt to contain Philadelphia’s potent passing attack. However, the true battle will unfold in the trenches, where both teams’ physicality and dominance will likely decide the outcome.

With so much on the line, this clash promises to be an epic battle. If the Steelers can emerge victorious, it will send shockwaves through the league and force pundits to seriously consider Pittsburgh as the frontrunner in the race for the Super Bowl.