Preseason Game #1 -- Steelers vs. Eagles

Preseason games always give the coaches, fans, and organization a chance to really see what the players have in a real game situation. In the first week of the preseason, the Steelers managed to get a win over the Eagles by beating them 16-10. The Steelers had five players that didn't play in the preseason opener, Safety Anthony Smith, Safety Troy Polamalu, Tightend Dezmond Sherrod, Defensive end Travis Kirschke, and Defensive tackle Casey Hampton.

As far as statistics go, Rashard Mendenhall lead the team in rushing with 34 yards in 7 attempts. Ben Roethlisberger lead the team in passing with 38 yards in 2 completed passes, a touchdown, and a 158.3 passer rating. Limas Sweed lead the team in recieving with 23 yards in 3 catches.

The Steelers were the first get the ball and took advantage of it immediately. They took the ball 80 yards down the field in 8 plays (4:33), Roethlisberger hit Santonio Holmes on an 18-yard touchdown pass to end the drive. When the Eagles got the ball, they responded by making a field goal. The Steelers next drive ending in a fieldgoal while the Eagles second drive got them a touchdown. The first quarter ended with the Eagles leading the Steelers 10-7. For the rest of the game, the Steelers defense stoped the Eagles from scoring on every drive. The Steelers managed to tie the game up with 3:34 left in the half. In the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Steelers managed to take a 3 point lead over the Eagles. The Eagles were stoped for -3 yards on their next drive, while the Steelers gained a more commanding lead by scoring a third fieldgoal, making the score 16-10. Unfortunately, the win was spoiled by Charlie Batch breaking his right collarbone midway throught the second quarter. Batch is expected to be out for 4 to 6 weeks.