The Steelers are 4-0 for the first time since 1979 after yesterday’s 39-28 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, highlighted by rookie Chase Claypool’s record-setting four touchdowns.
Ben Roethlisberger was 27-of-34 for 239 yards and three touchdowns, all to Claypool, who also ran for a touchdown.
Coach Mike Tomlin is happy to see his young corps of receivers bonding with Big Ben.
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Roethlisberger completed passes to eight different receivers. He threw no interceptions, and this season has seven TD passes and only one pick. He said afterward that the only important statistic to him was the win.
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Claypool caught seven passes and says it’s great to develop a rapport with Big Ben so early in his rookie season.
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Claypool became the third rookie in NFL history to score four touchdowns in a game and the first Steeler to score four times in a game since Roy Jefferson in 1968.
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Despite five sacks of Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, the Steelers’ defense struggled, giving up 336 total yards of offense. Wide receiver Travis Fulgham had ten receptions for 152 yards and a touchdown.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson left the game in the first half with a back injury and guard David DeCastro injured his abdomen and also left before halftime. Center Maurkice Pouncey injured his foot in the fourth quarter. Linebacker TJ Watt was off the field for the start of a crucial series in the fourth quarter, just a few days after suffering a knee injury in practice, but he returned to action, saying he has “nicks and bruises” and was just getting checked out.
In the AFC North, the Browns beat the Colts, 32-23 and the Ravens crushed the Bengals, 27-3.
The Steelers’ 4-0 record, as good as it is, came against teams that are a combined 3-15-1, while the next three come against much tougher competition. Cleveland, Tennessee, and Baltimore are a combined 11-2.
The Browns visit Heinz Field on Sunday afternoon. Quarterback Baker Mayfield injured his ribs yesterday in a win over the Colts but X-rays were negative and he told reporters after the game that he will be playing on Sunday because “Mama didn’t raise no wuss.”
NFL notes from yesterday included Dallas losing quarterback Dak Prescott to a gruesome compound fracture to his right ankle in the Cowboys’ win over the Giants. Andy Dalton took over for Prescott and led the team to the win.
The Chiefs lost to the Raiders, breaking a 13-game winning streak. And Atlanta fired Coach Dan Quinn and General Manager Thomas Dimitroff after the winless Falcons lost to the Saints.
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