Watch: Steelers takeaways a high point against Eagles

Steel City Underground will pick an exceptional play of the game as a highlight each week of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 NFL regular season. Stay tuned as we hand-select the very best from the Black and Gold!

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the Week 15 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with double digit takeaways on the season. Despite the 27-13 loss and an offense that couldn’t produce more than one touchdown, the Steelers got two first half turnovers that improved their takeaway margin to +18, tied at the top of the league with the Buffalo Bills.

T.J. Watt created an opportunity for his teammates on offense to put points on the scoreboard early. The Eagles, ahead 3-0, started their second offensive series of the game. On 3rd & 4 at their own 43, Jalen Hurts took the snap from shotgun on the sixth play of the drive. As pressure from Pittsburgh was applied, Hurts kept the ball and ran toward the left tackle position. Watt, who closed from behind, used his famous punch-out move and earned his franchise record breaking 33rd career forced fumble. In the ensuing scramble, Beanie Bishop recovered the loose ball.

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The Steelers were unable to convert the takeaway into points on offense, though. That forced a Corliss Waitman punt and a big special teams play that had coordinator Danny Smith pumped up on the sideline.

Waitman’s kick was high and Philly cornerback and returner Cooper DeJean handled the catch. Unfortunately, for DeJean, several Steelers players got to him quickly. Linebacker Mark Robinson drove into DeJean to wrap him up, causing DeJean to lose control as he was folded up. The ball popped free and fellow Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig was able to fall on it.

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The Steelers have been opportunistic this season, grabbing 15 interceptions and 15 fumble recoveries. The two plays against the Eagles was an immediate lift, but resulted in just three points on the scoreboard when, on the ensuing drive after the special teams recovery, Chris Boswell hit his single-season franchise record 37th field goal; the kick went to 37 yards.