EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen will face a close friend and former colleague Monday night when the Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers square off in Acrisure Stadium.

Bowen and Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Arthur Smith worked together on the Tennessee Titans coaching staff from 2018-20, the former as the team's outside linebackers coach and Smith as the tight ends coach (2018) and offensive coordinator (2019-20). In 2021, Smith began a three-year stint as the Atlanta Falcons' head coach that coincided with Bowen's tenure as Tennessee's defensive coordinator. Bowen moved to the same position with the Giants this year. Smith, who was fired by the Falcons after three 7-10 seasons, is in his first season with the Steelers.

"I spent a lot of time with him," Bowen said. "Really, really good football coach. Really smart. I got a lot of respect for him and what he's been able to do in this league. Our time in Tennessee was very successful there."

The two friends faced each other last Oct. 29 when the Titans defeated the Falcons in Nashville, 28-23. Atlanta gained 342 yards, including 140 rushing and 202 passing. Bowen's defense sacked quarterbacks Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder six times.

The Steelers enter Monday's game with a 5-2 record and consecutive victories in which they outscored Las Vegas and the Jets, 69-28, their highest two-game point total since 2020 and their largest two-game point differential (41) since 2016.

Bowen's challenge can be distilled to trying to stop two facets of Pittsburgh's offense: running and passing. Yes, it's a bit more complicated than that. But running back Najee Harris leads a rushing attack that is one of the NFL's best. And nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson, who made his first start and appearance of the season last week, instantly elevated the passing game.

The Steelers' 134.0 rushing yards a game place them ninth in the NFL. But in the last two weeks they ran for 189 and 143 yards, their two highest totals of the season. Bowen credits the "mentality" that Smith brings to the offense.

"They're going to run the ball," Bowen said. "We know that. They're going to have their (play) action passes off of it. They're going to be able to do their best to take their shots on us, off of some of those (play) action passes. I think how everything kind of marries up within his scheme, he does a really good job of marrying the run and marrying the pass. He's committed to building that identity, to be able to run the ball and have his counter punches off of it."

The 2-5 Giants are 25^th in rushing defense, allowing 138.1 yards a game. But their opponents' average yards per carry of 5.4 yards is the league's highest. Last week, Saquon Barkley ran for 176 yards against them.

Harris hasn't had a game that big. But his 106 and 102 rushing yards the last two weeks mark the second time in his four-year career that he has consecutive 100-yard games. Bowen cited his time with the Titans for an example of what Harris brings to the Steelers' offense.

"He's running hard, and I think he wears on guys," Bowen said. "It reminds me a lot, honestly, when we had Derrick (Henry) in Tennessee. They kept feeding him, kept feeding him, and they're hoping those two to three-yard runs early turn into five and six in the third quarter and then comes the fourth quarter and they break one for 36 like they did against the Raiders. Or last week at the very end of the game, it breaks for (10) for a touchdown. I think there's a little bit of method to the madness with that.

"They run hard and then being able to get (Jaylen) Warren in there and spell him at times for a change of pace. Both those guys are tough runners, and they run hard, and they fight for yards."

Wilson missed the first six games with a calf injury and Justin Fields led the Steelers to four victories in his absence. The Steelers had season-high totals of 37 points and 409 total yards in their victory against the Jets last week. Wilson had a higher passer rating (109.0) than Fields did in any of his six starts (104.0 at Indianapolis on Sept. 29). He also had his 17^th career game with at least two passing and one rushing touchdown.

"I think you see some of the same stuff (Wilson has always done)," Bowen said. "He's still going to try to extend some plays and make some plays down the field. Throwing the football is what he's done at a high level throughout his career. I think the ability to run the football set up a lot of those (play) action passes, those boots and some of those other things that showed up with him last week."

Bowen has faced Wilson twice as a coordinator, in 2021 when the quarterback was in Seattle and the following year against Denver. Wilson threw for a combined 629 yards and three touchdowns, but the Titans won both games.

"He's been a really, really good player in this league for a really long time," Bowen said. "You go back, and even in 2023 in Denver, he's top 10 in just about every category. He's done it a long time. He's seen everything. It's going to be a big challenge for us having him back in the lineup for them. We got to be ready to go because he adds that element for sure."

The Steelers' leading receiver is George Pickens with 31 catches. Every other wide receiver on the team has combined for 24. But tight end Pat Freiemuth has 24 receptions

Coach Brian Daboll has consistently praised Wilson's ability to complete deep passes.

"He's excellent at it," he said. "The numbers are pretty interesting in terms of 20-yard touchdown passes over the last five years. He's right up there at the top. He's got great arc and places the ball. He gives the guys chances. I've seen that plenty when we've gone against him. Then you add the players that they have like Pickens. Go ahead and give them a chance. You have to be tight on these guys."

*Three cornerbacks are listed on the Giants' final injury report, each with a different status. Adoree' Jackson (neck) is out for the second straight week. Cor'Dale Flott, who started last week vs. Philadelphia but left the game with an injured groin, is doubtful. Tre Hawkins (ankle) is questionable.

Deonte Banks, Nick McCloud and rookie nickle corner Dru Phillips are the only healthy cornerbacks on the roster. A practice squad elevation at the position is possible.

"Let it go another day here and see where they're at," coach Brian Daboll said.

*Tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (hip) did not practice for the second straight day and is listed as questionable. The Giants hope he will be available to block standout pass rushing linebacker T.J. Watt.

"He's not doing much," Daboll said. "He did a walkthrough. I think he'll be okay. But I can't guarantee it."

If he's not, Evan Neal would likely start in what would be his first game action of the season.

"He has a significant challenge ahead of him with Watt lining up over there," Daboll said. "He's done everything he can do to be as prepared as he can be and has to go out there and do it. But certainly, a tough challenge to be the first time out."

*Punter Jamie Gillan (left hamstring) will miss his third straight game and linebacker/special teamer Ty Summers his first.

*Linebacker Brian Burns (groin/Achilles) was limited in practice but is not included in the game status portion of the report.