NYG vs PIT Preview

Not Just A Game

Listen, it's not just a battle of the 2004 Draft Class elite. Not just a battle of the two most historic franchises in NFL history. It's a battle for victims of Hurricane Sandy. People, especially in the tri-state, need a distraction and the Giants (and maybe the Knicks) are the best distraction there is. Sports brings everyone together, takes their mind off what is going on around them, and puts them in a different world for 3 straight hours. Something that is desperately needed at a time like this. Players and fans alike were impacted.  Multiple players experienced flooding, forcing them to live with each other for a day or two. Bottom line, the game needs to be played, and needs to be played at MetLife. 

Biggest area of concern is getting to Big Ben and bringing him down. He is not only a good pocket passer, but a good passer on the run. He is probably the hardest QB to bring down in the league, but I think we have the size and strength to do it.  The Giants defense has 13 sacks over last 3 games. Starting with only 8 in the first 5, I say we are finally on the right track.

Dave Diehl taking back the right tackle spot, moving Locklear to jumbo tackle. For those who do not know what that means, the jumbo set comes in on short yardage situations. Putting the bigger guys in to run the ball. But the interesting part here is, the running game was most productive in the 3 games Diehl missed. They failed to crack 100 rushing in first two Diehl played and there was just one 100 yard game with Diehl as jumbo tackle. My stance is, if it isn't broke, don't break it. Locklear has been doing very well. But we shall see. 

Kenny Phillips is coming back, and here's what he had to say about Stevie Brown in his absence,

“In my mind, I’m thinking like, ‘If I was there, they probably wouldn’t have threw it. I don’t get that lucky.’ You know what I’m saying. But like I said, he’s making the plays and he’s catching the ball, so my hat’s off to him.’’

Interesting. Look for the 3 safety package this week. Brown is getting the start, Phillips is getting worked back in. Jacquian Williams was the guy that was supposed to be that 3rd safety/Bison Role, but he has not been healthy.

Tuck stated this week that the Steelers O-Line gets away with murder. I am sure every O-Line in the league gets away with murder, it is how the game is played these days. If he wants to add fuel to the fire, that's fine, but I'm getting annoyed with the Giants complaints. 

Troy Polamalu is out again for the Steelers which won't help them out with their 7 total takeaways this season. The Giants lead the league with 24. This alone will help. 

Mendenhall and Dwyer are both doubtful, which is good. Dwyer has had 229 rushing yards in the past 2 games. Issac Redman should get the start.

Again, Blackburn out, Herzlich will start. Time to prove me right Herzlich. Rivers is doubtful. Bradshaw should start once again despite not practicing ALL WEEK.

Knock on wood, but the Giants have never been 7-2 under Coughlin. Do not expect the Steelers to lay down like the Heat did last night at MSG even though they are flying in on game day. It should come down to late game heroics by Eli. He has not played well recently, and I hope to see he takes advantage of the Steelers defensive captain out of the game.