The Pittsburgh Steelers host the New York Giants on Monday Night Football for a classic Week 8 showdown. The Steelers will rep their fan-favorite Color Rush jerseys and aim to extend their record to 6-2 by the end of the night. Meanwhile, Daniel Jones and the Giants are looking to bounce back from a tough 28-3 divisional loss to the Eagles.
The Steelers are coming off a dominant 37-15 victory over the Jets, setting the stage for an exciting clash. Week 8 is full of intriguing matchups, so here are 5 to keep an eye on between these two teams.
NT Dexter Lawrence vs. Ryan McCollum
Get ready for an exciting showdown as the formidable Dexter Lawrence faces off against Steelers center Ryan McCollum. McCollum’s solid performance against the Jets last weekend provided his QB with ample time to maneuver in the pocket and locate his targets. However, a much more intense battle awaits the young center as Dexter Lawrence is heading to the Burgh.
Lawrence is dominating the league with the most sacks this season and consistently draws double teams from opponents. As a pivotal player on the Giant’s defense, he remains on the field for the majority of snaps. With this in mind, head coach Mike T must equip his young O-line for a challenging matchup against Lawrence. While McCollum will face a tough task, it’s crucial to have additional help aimed at effectively neutralizing Lawrence’s impact.
Russell Wilson staying dangerous against the Giants defense
The Steelers QB demonstrated outstanding skill against the Jets and is poised for another big test against the Giants on Monday Night Football. One of the biggest obstacles Russell Wilson will encounter is the previously mentioned Dexter Lawrence. Additionally, keep a close watch on linebacker Brian Burns, who ranks second on the team in total sacks and tackles for loss.
To effectively stretch the field, Tyler Nubin, the elusive rookie safety with incredible speed, aims to thwart Russell Wilson’s deep throws to George Pickens. Nubin excels at quickly closing in on the ball and breaking the rhythm between QBs and their receivers, making him a key player to watch.
Malik Nabers vs. Joey Porter Jr.
Each weekend, the top WR goes head-to-head with the impressive second-year cornerback, Joey Porter Jr. JPJ has proven himself to be lights out against elite competition and will need to demonstrate once again that he can effectively cover anyone when called upon.
Malik Nabers has emerged as the premier WR for QB Daniel Jones this season. With an impressive tally of 427 yards and three touchdowns, the rookie sensation is making a significant impact. After bouncing back from an earlier concussion, Nabers faced challenges in his recent game against the Eagles. Despite his frustrations with Jones, both players are determined to rekindle their synergy as they head into Pittsburgh, aiming for a stellar performance together.
Daniel Jones ground game vs. Steelers defense
Giants fans have witnessed 'Danny Dimes' skillfully tuck the ball and dash for first downs time and again. As he prepares to take on the tough Steelers defense, there is no question he will be on the move. The key to his success lies in his physicality and his remarkable ability to extend plays with his legs, turning potential setbacks into opportunities for big gains.
The Steelers have a solid history of defending against running QBs, but they must remain alert for splash plays from Jones. With edge rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith on the field, fans can expect an explosive performance that could lead to game-changing moments, including a potential strip sack on the Giants’ QB.
Under the radar: Darius Slayton against Donte Jackson
While Malik Nabers often grabs the spotlight in the passing game, Darius Slayton is an invaluable asset that should not be ignored. Slayton has proved to be a dependable target for Daniel Jones this season, consistently stepping up to provide a reliable safety net for the QB.
Donte Jackson is currently listed as questionable, but head coach Mike Tomlin is confident that the cornerback will be ready to go for Monday Night Football. Jackson has been an impressive off-season acquisition for the Steelers, already making significant contributions with three interceptions and counting. The veteran cornerback exemplifies the tough, competitive spirit that defines the team’s play style in the Burgh.