Steelers at Eagles score: Dwayne Haskins turns in impressive performance to spark Pittsburgh comeback

Haskins stated his case for the No. 2 quarterback job in Pittsburgh

Dwayne Haskins showcased his talents in the Steelers' second preseason game Thursday night, as the battle for the second quarterback job is on in Pittsburgh. Haskins led the Steelers on three second-half scoring drives, including a touchdown pass to Anthony Johnson, in Pittsburgh's comeback 24-16 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Pittsburgh finished 11 of 17 on third down, the majority of the conversions were when Haskins was at quarterback. The Steelers had 28 first downs in the game and outscored the Eagles 17-0 in the second half. 

Philadelphia's offense got off to an impressive start, scoring on three of its first four possessions. The Eagles' first team offense put up three points on two possessions, as Jalen Hurts finished 3 of 7 for 54 yards and a 69.9 passer rating. The stat line was deceiving for Hurts, as Jalen Reagor dropped a low throw and Zach Ertz dropped a third-and-7 pass that would have extended the Eagles' first drive. 

Philadelphia jumped out to a 13-0 lead as Joe Flacco led the Eagles on back-to-back scoring possessions, the big play coming from a Quez Watkins 79-yard touchdown with 33 seconds left in the first quarter to put Philadelphia up 10-0. Flacco finished 10 of 17 for 178 yards and a touchdown in the loss, playing until halftime. Nick Mullens finished 1 for 5 for 4 yards and two interceptions, as the Eagles didn't score in four second-half possessions. 

The Steelers improved to 2-0 on the preseason while the Eagles lost in Nick Sirianni's head coaching debut. Takeaways from this game are coming shortly, but here's a recap of the game in our live blog below. 

Why Steelers won

The Steelers took a chance on Haskins for a reason, and he rewarded their faith. Haskins was impressive against the Eagles third-team defense, finishing 16 of 22 for 161 yards and a touchdown in the win. Haskins got off to a slow start, but was crisp on his intermediate throws in the second half. 

The Steelers running game was sharp in the second half, as Jaylen Samuels and Anthony McFarland combined for 79 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Pittsburgh had 260 yards in the final 30 minutes, scored on three of the five possessions, and ran out the clock on the final possession that lasted 6:14. Pittsburgh averaged 4.9 yards per play in the second half. 

Why Eagles lost

Eagle fans shouldn't worry about the starters and second team, but guys trying to make the 53-man roster did not make a good impression. With the rosters being cut to 85 on Tuesday, Jonathan Gannon did not rotate his third-team defensive players as he was trying to give them as many game reps as possible. 

The Eagles looked winded and gassed on this scorching evening. Pittsburgh had four possessions that went double-digit plays and 50-plus yards, as Philadelphia couldn't get a pass rush on Haskins or Josh Dobbs. Elijah Riley was one of the only players on the third team to contribute, having an interception in the fourth quarter to keep the Eagles in the game.

Mullens had two interceptions on five pass attempts, the first leading to a touchdown that gave Pittsburgh the lead for good. Mullens may be fighting for a roster spot after all. The Eagles were also 0-for-8 on third down. 

Turning point

The Eagles defense showed signs of fatigue on Haskins' lone touchdown pass on the night. Philadelphia was very disciplined in the first half, but Haskins earned a free play on an offsides penalty — and took advantage. 

Haskins saw the pocket collapse and stepped up to his right. While running, he threw a pass across the middle and found Johnson for the score to cut the score to 16-14 with 9:38 left in the third quarter. 

Johnson was wide open in the back of the end zone, a sign of things to come for the Eagles secondary in the second half. 

Play of the game

Watkins has turned some heads during Eagles training camp and is making a strong case to become the starting outside wide receiver on this team. Watkins caught a bubble screen from Flacco in the second quarter and took the pass 79 yards for the touchdown to put the Eagles up 10-0. 

Richard Rodgers had a nice block to set up Watkins for the big play. Watkins turned on the jets once he reached the second level, going right past Tre Norwood for the score. 

The Eagles offense got off to a fast start, and Watkins played a huge role in that. 

The quote

"It was great to see him respond. I was pleased that he didn't let that drop get to him and he continued to play hard. I was impressed with that." -- Sirianni on Reagor's 13-yard catch on his second target. 

Reagor has been getting the tough love from Sirianni in training camp, and had a drop on the Eagles' first series (his first target of the night). Reagor ran a strong route on his second target that led to an Eagles first down. This was what the Eagles wanted to see from Reagor all of training camp. 

Up next

The Eagles have joint practices coming up with the New England Patriots next week. Philadelphia will play host to New England in Week 2 of the preseason next Thursday (Aug. 19) at Lincoln Financial Field. 

The Steelers play host to the Lions on Saturday, Aug. 21 at Heinz Field, which will be their third preseason game. 

[Aug 12, 2021 at 10:28 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Steelers spot Eagles a 13-0 lead before rallying for a 24-16 win. Pittsburgh now 2-0 this preseason while the Eagles fall in their first exhibition game. Make sure to revisit this page for our full breakdown of tonight's game, a game that may one day be remembered as Dwayne Haskins' breakout as a Steeler.

[Aug 12, 2021 at 10:13 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Can't look too deep into preseason records, but Steelers have shown a lot of physicality in their first two games. Specifically on defense. Have also shown the ability to create turnovers and get to the quarterback. Pittsburgh's bubble receivers have also played really well, which could lead to some interesting changes in terms of the first 53-man roster.

[Aug 12, 2021 at 10:10 pm ET · Jeff Kerr]

What a weak throw by Nick Mullens. He didn't step into that throw at all. 1 for 5 for 4 yards and 2 INT.

Not a good performance for a player trying to make the roster.

[Aug 12, 2021 at 10:06 pm ET · Jeff Kerr]

Elijah Riley bringing some life to the #Eagles defense. May have earned himself another week with this club. First takeaway for the Eagles defense.

West Point representing. He was a baller for the Black Knights.

[Aug 12, 2021 at 9:44 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

The big story of the night is Haskins, who has lived up to all the hype surrounding his so far during training camp. Some of his success has been the lack of execution from the Eagles' defense, but not taking anything away from how good he's looked tonight in all facets.

[Aug 12, 2021 at 9:41 pm ET · Jeff Kerr]

Not much rotation from Jonathan Gannon tonight. He's kind of just feeling things out and letting guys play.

Trying to see who will make the 53-man roster. First cuts on Tuesday.

[Aug 12, 2021 at 9:31 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Have to put Haskins ahead of Rudolph now on the depth chart. Haskins just finished off his second TD drive of the night. Not doing anything crazy, but hitting the open receivers and doing a nice job running the offense as a whole.

[Aug 12, 2021 at 9:29 pm ET · Jeff Kerr]

Dwayne Haskins is getting all day to throw. The Eagles third-team defense looked gassed in this heat.

May be night now, but the humidity is really high. The holes are wide open for Pittsburgh.

[Aug 12, 2021 at 9:26 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Jaylen Samuels having a nice game, as the four-year veteran is making his case to stay on the 53-man roster. Looks like McFarland is definitely the No. 2 running back given how well he's played in the first two preseason games.

[Aug 12, 2021 at 9:24 pm ET · Jeff Kerr]

Justin Lane picks off Nick Mullins first pass as an Eagle. Mullens was hit right after the threw.

Tyree Jackson didn't get his head turned in time.