NFL picks: The arrival of NFL Hall of Fame lineman Mike Munchak as the new offensive line coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers was the boldest possible statement that the Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin were dead serious about jump starting a ground attack that has been among the worst in the NFL the past two seasons and ranked 27th last year. The lack of a reliable running game has put too much of the burden on Ben Roethlisberger, who has felt the strain of having to carry his team. The Philadelphia Eagles continue to try and build up their defense to a respectable level to compliment what has become one of the best offenses in the NFL under second year star head coach Chip Kelly. The Philadelphia Eagles will host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field with coverage on NFL Network starting at 7:30 PM ET.
Men of Steel Pay Bills
Pittsburgh is 1-1 straight up and against the spread in preseason and has gone under the total in both of their games. The Steelers are coming off a 19-16 home win and payout over the Buffalo Bills as 1 point home favorites as the game went under the total of 35. Dan Carpenter kicked a 44-yard field goal for Pittsburgh to win the game as time expired. Munchak has not had much of an effect on the line as of yet, however, as the Steelers could amass only 35 yards rushing on 18 attempts. Ben Roethlisberger was sharp passing for 8/11 good for 128 yards and a TD. The Steel Curtain defense was the difference in forcing four turnovers although it did allow 358 yards for the game.
Eagles yet to take Flight
The Eagles are 0-2 both straight up and against the spread in preseason with both over their games going over the total. Philadelphia is coming off a 42-35 loss at the New England Patriots as 2 point dogs with the game soaring over the total of 46.5. The Patriots steamrolled the Eagles with 250 yards rushing on 46 carries. On the positive Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley, and Nick Foles combined to throw for 28-34 good for 324 yards.
Our Pick
The Steelers are the better defensive team and get our call for this one.
