Eagles Bounce Back From Cowboys Loss to Win Pennsylvania Battle against Steelers

Eagles' defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has always been a man who strongly believes in running the blitz.

On Sunday, Johnson and the Eagles' defense showed us why.

After a heartbreaking loss to the Dallas Cowboys last Monday night, the Eagles bounced back Sunday as they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 15-6 in what ended up being a defensive showdown.

Along with three turnovers and a safety, the Eagles were able to record nine sacks as they heavily pressured Ben Roethlisberger all afternoon. Roethlisberger even left the game at one point in the fourth quarter when he hurt his throwing hand while being sacked.

There is an old saying that came to mind after Sunday's performance: "Defense wins championships."

Sunday proved that the Eagles have one of the best defenses in the league. Not counting the "Texas Shootout" that took place last Monday night in Dallas, Jim Johnson and his crew have given up just nine points in two games at Lincoln Financial Field this season (yes, I am aware that one of those games was against the Rams, but it still counts).

The Eagles improved to 2-1 on the season as they remain as one of the heavy contenders in the NFC East. Even though the Eagles recorded their second victory of the season, they suffered a loss in the running back department when Brian Westbrook left the game in the first half with an ankle injury.

While trailing 3-0, Correll Buckhalter took over for the injured Westbrook. On the same drive, Buckhalter hauled in a 20 yard reception from Donovan McNabb to take a 7-3 lead. Buckhalter finished the day with 43 yards on the ground and 40 yards receiving.

Hanging on to a 10-6 lead late in the fourth quarter, Eagles' punter Save Rocca was able to pin the Steelers inside the 10 after a 54 yard punt. On third down, the Eagles were able to catch Roethlisberger in the end zone for the safety.

With a six point lead, the Eagles knew they needed just one more score to clinch the victory. On Pittsburgh's next possession, the Birds recovered a fumble from Roethlisberger after Brian Dawkins flew in for the sack. Eagles' kicker David Akers kicked a 31 yard field goal a few plays later to go up 15-6.

Donovan McNabb had another solid performance for the Eagles as he completed his first 15 passes and finished 24-35 for 196 yards and a touchdown. Roethlisberger finished 13-25 for 131 yards.

One of the most impressive stats from Sunday's victory was the way the Eagles defense stopped the Steelers run.

After rushing for 243 yards and three touchdowns in his first two games, Steelers' running back Willie Parker was held to just 20 yards on Sunday.

Next for the Birds is a trip to Chicago to take on Kyle Orton and the 1-2 Bears for what should be another solid defensive showdown.

The Eagles last trip to Chicago came in the 2002 during the NFC Divisional round of the playoffs. The Eagles won 33-19.