The New York Giants (2-5) and Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) will sq. off on Monday night time in a Week 8 matchup at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Giants opened the week as 5.5-point street underdogs however that unfold has worsened barely with Pittsburgh now at -6 as of this writing.
With this matchup on faucet, Giants Wire took the chance to carry a Q&A with Steelers Wire managing editor Curt Popejoy.
What went into the Steelers’ choice to start out Russell Wilson over Justin Fields? What modified after six weeks?
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Popejoy: I believe the plan was at all times to play Russell Wilson as soon as he was 100% however I’m undecided anybody instructed Justin Fields. We noticed final week the passing offense is stronger with Wilson throwing the ball and it units up the run sport as a substitute of the opposite manner round. Pittsburgh can nonetheless flip to Fields for packages however it will have by no means labored the opposite manner round.
The Giants have main points on the deal with positions. What, if something, can they do to cease T.J. Watt from destroying the sport?
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Groups have saved T.J. Watt in examine this season by double-teaming him and handing him off from an offensive deal with to a good finish or again and having their quarterback do away with the soccer. This has labored pretty effectively as Watt has solely 4.5 sacks in seven video games.
Are the Steelers inclined by way of the air or do groups simply resort to passing extra as the results of trailing in video games and/or not having the ability to run the ball?
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I do suppose offenses can reap the benefits of the secondary, particularly with Donte Jackson dinged up. However you’re proper, the Steelers’ protection goes to lean closely on shutting the run down and forcing different groups to throw the soccer.
Who’s one under-the-radar participant on each offense and protection that the Giants and their followers needs to be cautious of?
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On offense, I’m going with large tight finish Darnell Washington. Wilson likes him as a goal and went to him early final week. Plus, he’s on the sphere lots on account of his run blocking, so search for him to see extra reps on Monday night time. On protection, gotta go together with rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop. After choosing off Aaron Rodgers twice final week, he’s not so beneath the radar however is having a stable season because the staff’s slot cornerback.
Who do you suppose wins on Sunday and the way do you see the sport taking part in out?
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It was just one sport but it surely feels just like the Steelers offense is about with Wilson beneath heart. The protection is getting some guys wholesome and I believe it’s going to be an extended day for the Giants making an attempt to maneuver the soccer. No blowouts right here however an in depth win for the Steelers, 27-17.
