The key number is 28.

As in takeaways.

As in the most in the NFL during this 2024 regular season, a key reason the Pittsburgh Steelers, with a plus-17 in the turnover department, are 10-3 and winners of seven of their last eight games.

"They create pressure and they do it in a lot of ways," left guard Landon Dickerson said. "They're just really good. They like to come after you from the start of the game until the end, so it's a great challenge. Looking forward to it."

Always known for its defense, Pittsburgh has modernized from the days of The Steel Curtain. Under Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin, the Steelers feature a terrific front seven with the likes of edge rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, power inside with Cameron Heyward, a get-to-the-ball linebacker in Patrick Queen, and strong pieces throughout the attacking group. The back four, with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick leading the way, take the ball away to the tune of 13 fumble recoveries and 15 interceptions.

Watt (9.5) and Heyward (8.5) have 18 of the team's 32 quarterback sacks, but there are players to account for all over the place, notably pass rusher Nick Herbig (4.5 sacks). A defense that has allowed just five teams to rush for more than 100 yards in a single game this season plays an Eagles offense that has featured running back Saquon Barkley, who has gone over 100 yards in nine games by himself.

This is going to be quite a matchup at the line of scrimmage.

"It's going to be a great game. It's going to be a great matchup," left tackle Jordan Mailata said. "I think that the depth that they have on the Steelers' D-line, credit to them for building that. But you know we have depth, too, we have a great five up front and it's going to be a battle, for sure."

Philadelphia leads the NFL in rushing offense, a tribute to the great offensive line, a tremendous season by Barkley, depth at the running back position with Kenneth Gainwell, and some timely and effective scampering by quarterback Jalen Hurts.

As the Eagles have won nine straight games, they have limited mistakes, committed only two giveaways, and played sound football in the red zone.

Hurts, looking at the big picture of the Pittsburgh defense, understands the task that the Eagles face: Pittsburgh is attacking, physical, and plays within the scheme.

"Obviously, they've got a great player over there in T.J. Watt and then Minkah – all-around safety, all-around defensive back. The culture they have, you feel it. Their coach (Mike Tomlin) is amazing with what he does and how he leads. It'll be a battle," Hurts said. "We have to be ready."