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The Pittsburgh Steelers defense has sent more pressure and recorded the most sacks (on average) than any team in the NFL. The Steelers front seven is loaded with players that can get after the quarterback, and Mike Hilton is always a threat to get to the quarterback from the outside. The truth of the matter is the Steelers defense will rack up sacks no matter the opponent. But when that opponent roles out an offensive line made up of nearly, entirely backups that once in a lifetime chance of making history becomes possible.
The Philadelphia Eagles role into Pittsburgh for Week 5 action, but most of their normally dominant offensive line will not be making the trip. Projected starting left tackle, Andre Dillard tore his biceps, All-Pro guard Brandon Brooks tore his Achilles back in June, Left guard replacement turned left tackle Jason Peters is on the IR with a toe injury, guard Isaac Seumalo is out for the foreseeable future with a knee injury, and right tackle Lane Johnson was forced to leave the Eagles game against the 49ers with an ankle injury though he did return to the game.
Eagles' projected starting OL coming into the season:
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 5, 2020
LT: Andre Dillard
LG: Isaac Seumalu
C: Jason Kelce
RG: Brandon Brooks
RT: Lane Johnson
Right now:
LT: Jordan Mailata
LG: Nate Herbig
C: Jason Kelce
RG: Matt Pryor
RT: Jack Driscoll
With Jason Peters on IR too.
When you take into consideration that Eagles quarterback, Carson Wentz sort of plays the game like a young Ben Roethlisberger, holding onto the ball longer than most to work the ball down the field, you can foresee a few circumstances where Wentz will put himself into danger.
The Steelers' team record for sacks in a game is 10. They've done it four times. They might get there again or break it this season. And it might happen next week against this Eagles offensive line. #Steelers #dkps
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) October 5, 2020
The NFL record for teams sacks in a game is 12 (set by 4 different teams), and the record for sacks in a game by an individual player is 7 set by Derrick Thomas in 1990. While it will be nearly impossible for anyone to ever break Thomas’ record, it might be possible for an entire unit to crack 12.
If the Steelers offense is able to build a lead, forcing the Eagles to throw the ball north of 40 times, then I think they could do it. Keep in mind this will be a very motivated unit coming off a surprise bye week.
The ingredients for a big time sack game are perfectly blended, now all the Steelers have to do now is not let it burn.
But what do you think? Will the Steelers defense break the all-time sacks in a game record on Sunday? Let us known in the comments below!