When the Pittsburgh Steelers travelled to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Philadelphia Eagles on 15 December 2024, fans witnessed more than just another regular-season NFL game.
The stage was set for a high-stakes battle, with both teams eyeing a stronger position in their respective playoff races. The air was electric, and the stadium filled with nearly 70,000 supporters expecting a clash worthy of Week 15’s importance.
Philadelphia entered the game with a strong 12-2 record, commanding respect as one of the NFC’s most balanced teams. Meanwhile, the Steelers came in at 10-4, competitive in the AFC but still seeking consistency, particularly on the offensive side.
Let’s dive into the most detailed breakdown of player stats, team performance and standout moments from this key fixture in the 2024–2025 NFL season.
How Did The Eagles Gain Early Control Of The Game Flow?
From the opening whistle, the Philadelphia Eagles showcased their game plan with sharp execution. The tone was set in the first quarter as Jalen Hurts orchestrated an opening drive that ended with a touchdown pass to A.J. Brown. This early success forced the Steelers to chase the game from the start.
Pittsburgh managed to respond with a field goal but struggled to match Philadelphia’s rhythm. The Eagles moved the ball consistently and held possession, finishing the first half with a 17-13 lead. The second half belonged entirely to the Eagles.
The Steelers, despite a promising second quarter, could not score in the final two quarters. The Eagles added ten more points with clinical drives and clock control.
Key Quarter-By-Quarter Breakdown
| Quarter | Pittsburgh Steelers | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1st | 3 | 10 |
| 2nd | 10 | 7 |
| 3rd | 0 | 3 |
| 4th | 0 | 7 |
| Final Score | 13 | 27 |
The key statistic here was time of possession. Philadelphia controlled the ball for nearly 40 minutes compared to Pittsburgh’s 20. This level of control drained the Steelers’ defence and limited their offensive chances.
What Do The Final Score And Key Quarter Stats Reveal?
The scoreboard didn’t just reflect a win; it illustrated dominance. Philadelphia maintained momentum throughout the game, even when the Steelers briefly threatened during the second quarter. Scoring early and holding Pittsburgh to a scoreless second half revealed Philadelphia’s ability to make second-half adjustments.
Jalen Hurts was instrumental in this control, commanding long drives that chewed clock and kept Pittsburgh’s offence off the field. On the flip side, Russell Wilson couldn’t sustain drives despite throwing a touchdown pass. The Eagles capitalised on their red-zone chances while the Steelers struggled once they approached scoring territory.
The Eagles’ ability to turn long drives into points while containing Pittsburgh’s top playmakers paints a complete picture of their victory. Third-down conversions were a defining factor too, with Philadelphia converting 10 of 17 attempts, more than triple Pittsburgh’s efficiency.
How Effective Were Jalen Hurts And Russell Wilson In Their Roles?
The quarterback battle was a central theme entering this game, and both players brought different strengths to the field. Jalen Hurts demonstrated why he is one of the league’s most reliable dual-threat quarterbacks, finishing with 290 passing yards and two touchdowns. His command and accuracy were evident as he completed 25 of 32 passes without throwing an interception.
In contrast, Russell Wilson showed flashes of his experience and game management, completing 14 of 22 passes for 128 yards and one touchdown. He avoided turnovers but failed to generate big plays or maintain possession on critical downs.
Quarterback Performance
| Player | Completions/Attempts | Yards | TDs | INTs | QB Rating |
| Jalen Hurts | 25 / 32 | 290 | 2 | 0 | 112.4 |
| Russell Wilson | 14 / 22 | 128 | 1 | 0 | 94.6 |
Hurts’ efficient performance extended drives and put pressure on the Steelers’ defence throughout. Wilson, though composed, lacked support from his offensive line and failed to stretch the field.
Who Dominated The Ground Game In This Clash?
Running the football remains essential in tight matchups, especially late in the season. The Eagles were fully committed to their ground game, giving Saquon Barkley 19 carries for 65 yards. Although he didn’t reach the end zone, Barkley helped sustain drives and keep the chains moving.
Jalen Hurts added 45 rushing yards himself, demonstrating his mobility in designed runs and scrambles.On the Steelers’ side, their top rusher was Najee Harris, who only managed 14 yards on six carries.
Pittsburgh’s trailing position limited their use of the run, and their overall ground game finished with just 56 rushing yards.
Key Rushing Stats
| Player | Attempts | Yards | Longest Run | Touchdowns |
| Saquon Barkley | 19 | 65 | 22 | 0 |
| Jalen Hurts | 15 | 45 | 23 | 1 |
| Najee Harris | 6 | 14 | 7 | 0 |
The Eagles rushed 42 times compared to Pittsburgh’s 17. This difference not only reflects control but also a more balanced offensive strategy from Philadelphia.
Who Were The Top Receivers On Each Side?
Through the air, the Eagles continued to shine. A.J. Brown was once again Hurts’ go-to option, recording 8 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown.
DeVonta Smith added another 109 yards on 11 catches, showing how dangerous Philadelphia’s receiving corps can be when given space to operate.
Pittsburgh’s most effective receiver was Calvin Austin III, who posted 65 receiving yards. Pat Freiermuth contributed with a touchdown reception, but the Steelers struggled to get consistent separation downfield.
Receiving Stats Snapshot
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Longest Gain | Touchdowns |
| A.J. Brown | 8 | 110 | 21 | 1 |
| DeVonta Smith | 11 | 109 | 22 | 1 |
| Calvin Austin III | 5 | 65 | 31 | 0 |
| Pat Freiermuth | 3 | 22 | 12 | 1 |
The depth of Philadelphia’s passing attack was unmatched, and it proved too much for the Steelers’ secondary to handle.
Steelers vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats
This section outlines the most comprehensive stats from the game for both teams across all positions.
Offensive Player Stats
| Team | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Receiving Yards |
| Steelers | 128 | 56 | 65 (Austin III) |
| Eagles | 290 | 131 | 110 (A.J. Brown) |
Defence Highlights
| Player | Team | Tackles | Solo | Sacks |
| Patrick Queen | Steelers | 11 | 6 | 0 |
| Nakobe Dean | Eagles | 10 | 7 | 0 |
| T.J. Watt | Steelers | — | — | 2 |
| Josh Sweat | Eagles | — | — | 1 |
Philadelphia outperformed Pittsburgh in nearly every category, with notable gaps in total yards and first downs.
Which Defenders Stood Out On Both Teams?
Defensively, there were bright spots for both sides. Patrick Queen led the Steelers with 11 tackles, showing excellent vision and leadership. T.J. Watt also recorded two sacks, continuing his consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
On the Eagles’ side, Nakobe Dean stood out with 10 total tackles, including 7 solo. Josh Sweat added a key sack that pushed the Steelers out of field goal range. Overall, the Eagles’ defence was well-organised, physical and disciplined.
Pittsburgh’s defence kept them in the game during the first half but faded as the time of possession began to wear them down.
What Do The Team Stats Say About Overall Performance?
Team statistics tell the clearest story of the evening. The Eagles dominated possession, first downs and total yardage. They nearly tripled the Steelers in first downs and recorded 238 more total yards.
Full Team Stats Comparison
| Statistic | Steelers | Eagles |
| Total Yards | 163 | 401 |
| First Downs | 10 | 26 |
| Passing Yards | 107 | 270 |
| Rushing Yards | 56 | 131 |
| Total Plays | 41 | 77 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 3/10 | 10/17 |
| Time of Possession | 20:08 | 39:52 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
The statistical difference underscores how the Eagles dictated the pace of the game from the start to finish.
Where Were The Turning Points That Decided The Outcome?
The game’s critical turning points came at key moments. The first was Hurts’ opening touchdown pass to A.J. Brown, which energised the crowd and set the tone.
The second was a failed red-zone conversion by the Steelers in the third quarter. At that point, trailing 20-13, they had a chance to equalise but turned the ball over on downs.
The final blow came in the fourth quarter when the Eagles converted on third-and-long, leading to a methodical touchdown drive that lasted more than eight minutes and put the game out of reach.
These moments exemplified the Eagles’ superior execution under pressure.
How Does This Result Impact The Playoff Picture For Both Sides?
The Eagles’ victory propelled them to 12-2, strengthening their grip on the NFC standings and moving them closer to securing home-field advantage. Their consistent play across all phases makes them a favourite for a deep playoff run.
For the Steelers, now 10-4, the loss highlighted lingering issues on offence. Their playoff hopes are still alive, but they’ll need to correct their execution in the red zone and find ways to sustain drives, especially away from home.
What Are The Major Takeaways From This Week 15 Battle?
This Week 15 contest between two potential playoff teams gave fans a clear look at where each squad stands. The Eagles have found their rhythm late in the season and are peaking at the right time. Their balance on offence and resilience on defence make them a formidable postseason threat.
The Steelers, although talented, remain inconsistent offensively. Their defence can keep them in games, but unless the offence improves its efficiency, Pittsburgh may struggle against top-tier teams.
Conclusion
Week 15’s matchup between the Steelers and the Eagles was a masterclass in preparation, execution and endurance by Philadelphia. They dominated time of possession, controlled the pace and limited Pittsburgh’s explosive potential.
While the Steelers showed glimpses of promise, they failed to convert on key moments, leading to a second-half shutout.
As the regular season nears its end, the Eagles look like a complete team destined for a strong playoff run, while the Steelers must regroup and sharpen their offensive tools if they are to make a serious impact in the postseason.
FAQs
Who was the leading tackler in the game?
Patrick Queen led all players with 11 total tackles, including six solo stops for the Steelers.
How many touchdowns did Jalen Hurts throw?
Jalen Hurts threw two touchdown passes without committing any turnovers.
What was the time of possession difference between the teams?
The Eagles held the ball for nearly 40 minutes compared to the Steelers’ 20 minutes.
Did any defensive player record multiple sacks?
Yes, T.J. Watt recorded two sacks for the Steelers.
Who scored the only receiving touchdown for Pittsburgh?
Pat Freiermuth caught the only receiving touchdown for the Steelers.
How did Calvin Austin III perform?
He led the Steelers in receiving yards with 65 yards on five catches.
What is the Eagles’ home record after this game?
The Eagles improved their home record to 6-1 after the Week 15 victory.
