Every matchup matters in the Battle of PA.
The Philadelphia Eagles will fly to Heinz Field to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5. No contest is technically a must-win this early in the season, but at 1-2 and in danger of falling more than two games behind the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC North lead, Pittsburgh is desperate for a W. Here are three one-on-one matchups to pay attention to on Sunday that'll not only entertain, but influence the final outcome of the game.
3. Larry Foote vs. LeSean McCoy
McCoy is currently third in the NFL in rushing yards. The Steelers' ability to shut him down in the first half will play a key role in the contest.
Andy Reid abandons the running game quicker than most play callers. For example, McCoy only received 13 carries in a Week 3 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. If Foote, Pittsburgh's leading tackler, is all over the former Panther early, Philly will become one-dimensional.
2. Troy Polamalu vs. Michael Vick
And when Philly becomes one-dimensional, Vick turns over the football.
In the first three weeks of 2012, he racked up a whopping nine turnovers-six interceptions and three fumbles. It'll be up to Polamalu to make Vick's turnovers, and not touchdowns, the story of the showdown.
The all-world ball hawk will suit up for the first time this year after a calf injury had previously kept him out of action. If Polamalu is able to shake off the rust quickly, Vick will have to work for every yard.
1. Antonio Brown vs. Brandon Boykin
According to Dale Lolley of the Observer-Reporter, Brown isn't impressed with the Eagles' rookie nickelback, called him the, "candy bar," and said, "He's all right. He's given up a lot of plays. Whoever gets that guy definitely has to take advantage."
Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Boykin wasn't fazed by Brown's diss and said:
"It's good he's pointing me out and it's not doing anything other than giving me a little more attention. I got to go out and do what I do. And if I do right, he's actually helped me in a sense. So tell him I appreciate it."
The pregame trash talk between Brown and Boykin make this matchup the most must-watch showdown of the afternoon.