Steelers analyst gives Giants fans something to believe in ahead of pivotal Week 8 matchup
The New York Giants are prepping for primetime this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. One team has struggled over the past month, while the other has seen consistent success amid some major adjustments. Could this matchup be a "trap game" for the Steelers? I discussed the potential of that occurrence, along with some other major […]
The New York Giants are prepping for primetime this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. One team has struggled over the past month, while the other has seen consistent success amid some major adjustments.
Could this matchup be a "trap game" for the Steelers?
I discussed the potential of that occurrence, along with some other major topics, with A to Z Sports' own Rob Gregson this week.
Q1: Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin surprised many folks when he swapped to Russell Wilson as his starting QB last week against the Jets. Did his performance prove Tomlin correct or does he need to stack strong performances?
A1: It’s hard to doubt anything Mike Tomlin does at this point, but many and myself included thought he made a major mistake with the change to Wilson. And to be honest, it looked that way after the first quarter of the Jets game before Wilson settled into a franchise record of passing yards in a debut. That being said, there is still a lot of season left. If Wilson struggles against a lackluster Giants defense, Tomlin may have some decisions to make coming out of the bye week.
Q2: T.J. Watt has been arguably the best defender in football this season. Do you expect Pittsburgh to move him around against the Giants’ beat-up offensive line?
A2: As much as you would expect Pittsburgh to give Watt some easier looks, they tend to keep him planted over the right tackle. Watt has shown a comfort level there and I expect NYG to throw lots of help his way with the injuries you’re speaking of.
Q3: It hasn’t been pretty at times for the Steelers this season, but they’re in a good spot in the AFC North. Like Mike Tomlin teams often do, they’re finding ways to win in gritty fashion – will that be the case this week against a Giants team that has to win to stay alive this season? Final game prediction.
A3: This has trap game written all over it. An adrenaline dump coming off the New York Jets win, MNF might save them from becoming too complacent along with a bye on the other side. For that reason, I expect Pittsburgh to take care of business, winning 20-12 and improving to 6-2 on the year.
If the Giants fall in Week 8, their season has received its bow, effectively. Climbing out of a 2-6 hole is nearly impossible in the NFL.
Not to mention, they still have games against the Baltimore Ravens, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, and multiple NFC East opponents remaining.
The schedule does not ease up for New York, so they must get back on track on Monday night. Brian Daboll needs to force Pittsburgh to fall directly into the trap of this sort of game.
Giants CEO gives a clear indication of what will happen to Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen beyond this season
A message of potential safety.
