As we’ve completed prior to now, beneath are the keys and my prediction of the Pittsburgh Steelers successful (or dropping) immediately’s recreation. Three issues that must occur for them to finish up on the proper facet of the rating and vice versa of their Week 8 recreation in opposition to the New York Giants.
My Steelers’ prediction is on the backside.
The Steelers Will Win If…
1. Giants’ Man Protection Is Weak point Simply Like Jets’ Recreation
Just like the New York Jets, the Giants’ secondary is actually hurting. No Adoree’ Jackson. Nearly actually no Cordale Flatt. And probably no Tre Hawkins. Tons of of defensive snaps New York might want to change on this one.
The Giants are a man-heavy staff and in the event that they hold that persona, they might battle the way in which the Jets did. Pittsburgh may hold working picks and rubs and WR George Pickens may dominate his method to one other 100-yard efficiency. Russell Wilson neatly is aware of to get the ball to him early and infrequently.
2. One-Dimensional Giants’ Offense Falls Flat
New York have been a poor dashing staff this season. They usually’ve hardly proven any curiosity in even making an attempt, placing all the things on Daniel Jones’ plate as a passer and albeit, as a runner. He’s a troublesome man however man, the world is on his shoulders and he’s in over his head.
Pittsburgh is at their finest after they make the opposition one-dimensional and pressure the QB to win. Typically the uber-talented quarterbacks can overcome that however Jones in all probability isn’t that man. Particularly with a beat-up offensive line lacking their stud left sort out and probably their beginning proper sort out. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith may have an enormous day if the Giants are caught in third-and-forever.
3. Pittsburgh’s Particular Groups Keep Particular
The Giants have an uphill climb as it’s. And in the event that they lose the particular groups battle, they’ll have an excellent slimmer margin of victory. Danny Smith’s unit is on fireplace proper now, blocking a kick/punt in three-straight video games. The protection groups have been wonderful, Corliss Waitman has punted effectively, and Chris Boswell stays on tempo to set an NFL report for made discipline targets in a season. New York hasn’t been as profitable and is on a backup punter attributable to harm.
The Steelers Will Lose If…
1. NT Dexter Lawrence Strikes Russell Wilson Off His Spot
One man to fret about is Giants NT Dexter Lawrence. He can dominate up the center to stifle the working recreation and collapse the pocket in opposition to Steelers’ fourth-string heart Ryan McCollum within the cross recreation. Credit score to McCollum for hanging robust in his first Steelers’ begin final week however Lawrence is an elite-level participant having a historic season.
Not solely is his collapsing the pocket essential however Russell Wilson has nonetheless proven to be skittish coping with phantom stress a lot much less an precise rush. And if he bails, a man like Brian Burns may make impression performs out on the perimeters. That’s a priority in opposition to a Giants’ cross rush that enters Week 8 main the NFL with 31 sacks.
2. Daniel Jones Exhibits Street Means Once more
Like most issues, life is best exterior of New Jersey. When Jones is away from the house crowd, he turns right into a serviceable NFL quarterback with among the wildest house/highway splits you’ll see, considerably higher on the highway. And the Giants are 2-1 in one other staff’s stadium this season.
The rhyme or motive is difficult to drill down, possibly there’s simply much less stress and scrutiny from the gang, however Jones may look higher than anticipated relative to his poor season stats.
3. 50/50 Balls Aren’t As Profitable
There’s little doubt Pittsburgh’s offense moved the ball primarily due to the chunk performs by means of the cross recreation, guys like Pickens and TE Pat Freiermuth making spectacular contested catches. Will that occur once more? Perhaps. They’ve the expertise to do it, Pickens arguably the perfect contested catcher within the recreation. However it’s onerous to financial institution on. And Wilson nonetheless has to indicate the passing recreation will be crisper and fluid. If it nonetheless struggles there, Wilson’s second outing may not be as spectacular.
Prediction
Steelers: 20
Giants: 17
Season Prediction Report
3-4
