The Giants will look to snap a two-game losing streak when they travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers on Monday Night Football in Week 8.
After falling to the Bengals in primetime in Week 6, the Giants took on the Eagles for their third divisional game of the season last Sunday. The Eagles emerged with the 28-3 victory, dropping the Giants' record to 2-5 on the year.
Meanwhile, the Steelers will attempt to extend their winning streak to three games as they play under the lights for the second consecutive week. Mike Tomlin's team defeated Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets, 37-15, on Sunday Night Football to bring their record to 5-2. Following this week's game, Pittsburgh will have their bye before taking on the Commanders in Week 10.
Here are five storylines to follow on Monday Night Football.
Getting back on track
In Week 5, the Giants traveled across the country to Seattle and defeated the Seahawks, 29-20, in the team's most complete performance of the season. However, the Giants were unable to carry that momentum over to their next two games. In Weeks 6 and 7, the offense scored a total of 10 points.
While the offense's struggles can be credited to several areas, two in particular have stood out – the unit's lack of explosive plays and their struggles on third down. In Week 6, the Giants' longest play of the game was 15 yards. The following week, their longest play went for just 14 yards. It's difficult to win games without the threat of big play, and it's even harder when struggling to sustain drives (but more on that later). Earlier in the week, coach Brian Daboll said the offense is working to improve in those areas.
"You never accept where we're at," Daboll told the media Monday. "Whether you're on top or obviously where we're at right now, which is not good enough. I've clearly stated that. We'll do everything we can do to improve the things we need to improve on to correct some of those issues that we're having and ultimately score points. That's the job. And we're not getting that done, again, two of the big things we need to keep working on to correct to help those things are explosives and third down. And going back and evaluating those things. We're just off a little bit here."
The offense will face its toughest test to date with Monday's matchup against the Steelers' elite defense. The unit ranks second in points and eighth in yards allowed while boasting the league's fourth-best red zone defense.
View photos of the history between the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Ward Cuff (14) of the New York Giants kicking a 23-yard field goal in the 2nd quarter of game with the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Polo Grounds in New York City, Oct. 20, 1940. Giant Players are Tuffy Leemans (4) holding ball; Doug Older Shaw (39); Leland Shaffer (20) and John McLaughry (17). Steelers are: Everett Fisher (8); John Woudenberg (36), Frank Sullivan (18), and John Noppenberg (50). Giants beat Steelers 12 to 0. (AP Photo)
Chuck Conerly, New York Giant freshman back who set a new passing record in National football league, stands beside Giant coach Steve Owen during an anxious moment in Giant-Pittsburgh Steeler game on Dec. 5, 1948. (AP Photo)
Ken Strong, left, New York Giants football team back, receives two suitcases from Bert Bell, National Football League Commissioner, during ceremonices celebrating "Ken Strong Day" at the Polo Grounds in New York, November 24, 1946. In addition to the suitcases, Strong received from fans behind him several thousand dollar bonds and other assorted gifts.Standing left to right, are; Ken Strong, Bert Bell, Herman J. Bergasse, chairman of the Ken Strong Fans Committee; and Irving Cohen, vice chairman. The Giants defeated the Pittssurch Steelers, 7-0. (AP Photo)
Aldo "Buff" Donelli, squatting, appears for the first time as coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a game against the New York Giants in Pittsburgh, Pa., Oct. 5, 1941. Donelli gave up his coaching position at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh to take over the pro Steelers from Bert Bell. (AP Photo/Bill Allen)
New York Giants Hall of Fame safety Emlen Tunnell (45) and safety Jim Patton (20) defend a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers halfback Ray Matthews (25) during an NFL game in Pittsburgh, Pa., Nov. 4, 1956. The Giants defeated the Steelers 17-14. (AP Photo/Pro Football Hall of Fame)
New York Giants halfback Bosh Pritchard (35) is aided by effective blocking as he goes through an opening for a 6 yard gain in first quarter of National Football League game with Pittsburgh Steelers at Polo Grounds in New York City, Dec. 2, 1951. Giant guard Duke Maronic (67) takes out a Steeler at left. Other identifiable player is Giant quarterback Chuck Conerly (42). (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Coach Steve Owen, second from left, of the New York Giants football team, huddles with some of his star players during a practice session at the Polo Grounds in New York, Oct. 10, 1950. Left to right are: James White, tackle and captain; coach Owen; Bill Swiacki, end; Joe Scott, back; Ellery Williams, end; and Charles Conerly, back. The Giants, the only unbeaten team in the NFL so far this year and out in front in their division with a 3-0 record, play the Pittsburgh Steelers in New York on Oct. 15. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Frank Gifford, New York Giant halfback is brought down by bevy of Pittsburgh Steelers after taking pass good for 11-yard gain in second period at Yankee Stadium, New York City, on Nov. 15, 1959. Pass was from Giant quarterback Don Heinrich. Identifiable Steelers are Jack McCall (20, left), Dean Derby (27) and Dick Campbell (66). Steelers won 14-9 in last two minutes to drop Giants into first place tie with Cleveland in eastern conference of National Football League. (AP Photo)
Halfback Joe Geri, of the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite the would-be tackler clinging on his back drives for eight yards through a hole in the New York Giants line in a National League opener in Pittsburgh at night on Oct. 1, 1951. Steelers blocker takes out Emlen Tunnell (45) the Giants and Steelers played to 13-13 toe. (AP Photo/Walter Stein)
Sam Huff, foreground, and Don Chandler, both New York Giants' backs, relax in dressing room at Yankee Stadium in New York on Dec. 11, 1963. Giants will play the Steelers at the stadium on December 15 for the right to represent the Eastern division against the Western division of the National Football League. (AP Photo/Eddie Adams)
Y.A. Tittle, New York Giants back is shown in dressing room on Dec. 15, 1963 at New York?s Yankee Stadium after he pitched his team to the National Football League?s eastern conference title with three record-breaking touchdown passes. The last game of the season ended with a 33-17 giants victory over Pittsburgh Steelers. (AP Photo)
Coach Allie Sherman of the New York Giants congratulates his quarterback, Y. A. Tittle, in New York's Yankee Stadium dressing room on Dec. 15, 1963. Tittle pitched his club to a national league eastern conference title over Pittsburgh Steelers, 33-17, with three record breaking touchdown passes. The New York club meets the bears in Chicago Dec. 29 for the national league title. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Randy Minniear (27) hits the ground after tackle by unidentified Pittsburgh Steelers defender in the second period at Yankee Stadium, Nov. 20, 1967, New York. Randy picked up nine years on a pass play from Fran Tarkenton, (10) right background. Identifiable Pittsburgh players are Chuck Hinton (64) and Bob Hohn (29). The Giants won the National Football League game 28-20. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants Del Shofner (85) balances a Y.A. Title pass on his fingertip in Pittsburgh Steeler end zone as Steeler's Brady Keys (26) makes flying effort to break up play in second period of game at New York's Yankee Stadium on Nov. 19, 1961. Giants won, 42-21, to move into first place in Eastern Conference of National Football League. (AP Photo)
A fan at Yankee Stadium in New York City scoops up a stray football during game between the Giants and the Steelers, Dec. 15, 1963. The Giants won, 33-17. (AP Photo)
New York Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle (14) is shown in action during game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Dec. 15, 1963. The Giants won the game 33-17 to take the Eastern Conference Championship of the National Football League. (AP Photo)
New York Giants' flanker back Frank Gifford (16) snares a pass during game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 15, 1963. (AP Photo)
New York Giant Tommy Crutcher (56) face masks two players from the Pittsburgh Steelers at the same time during a game on October 12,1969 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The New York Giant beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 10-7. Tommy Crutcherr played for 8 season with 2 different teams.(David Durochik via AP)
Frank Gifford (16) of the New York Giants reaches for a pass Sept. 30, 1962 thrown by Y.A. Tittle in the third quarter of game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gifford caught the pass and went over for a touchdown to give the Giants a 24-20 lead, they never relinquished., en route to a 31-27 victory. Play covered 27 yards. Stellers defender is Clendon Thomas. (AP Photo/dm)
Aaron Thomas of the New York Giants does a headstand after taking a touchdown pass of about 45 yards from quarterback Fran Tarkenton in the second quarter of the on Nov. 19, 1967 National Football League game in New York. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle (14) is shown in action during game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Dec. 15, 1963. The Giants won the game 33-17 to take the Eastern Conference Championship of the National Football League. (AP Photo)
Del Shofner, (85), New York Giants' end, grabs Y.A. Tittles' pass for touchdown at 41st-yard line in first quarter of game with Steelers at New York's Yankee Stadium on Dec. 15, 1963. At left is Willie Daniels, defensive halfback of Pittsburgh Steelers. (AP Photo)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Gary Ballman (85) eludes New York Giants safety Dick Lynch (22) and fumbles the football while headed to the end zone during an NFL game in New York, Dec. 16, 1963. The Giants defeated the Steelers 33-17. (AP Photo/Pro Football Hall of Fame)
New York Giants running back Doug Kotar, left, rolls over as he retains possession of the ball after being brought down by Pittsburgh Steelers Jack Ham in the first quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford Saturday, Aug. 19, 1978. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
New York Giants defensive tackle Roland Lakes (76) stops Pittsburgh Steeler running back Preston Pearson, at left in mid air, at 31-yard line in the fourth quarter of NFL Exhibition Game, in New York's Yankee Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 13, 1971. The Giants Carl Lockhart (43) lower right, assists in play. Steelers won the game, 20-3 (AP Photo/ John Lindsay)
Harry Carson of the New York Giants chases Pittsburgh Steelers' running back Franco Harris (32) in first quarter action in Pittsburgh, Aug. 11, 1979. (AP Photo)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Preston Pearson (26) stretches for an 8-yard gain around right end in first quarter action, Aug. 27, 1970 in Pittsburgh again at New York Giants. Flying in behind Pearson is Giants defensive back Carl Lockhart (43) who knocked Pearson out of bounds. Steelers scored their first touchdown of the game in the next series of downs. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
Pittsburgh rookie quarterback Terry Bradshaw covers a bobbled handoff in the second quarter of game with the New York Giants, Friday, August 29, 1970, Pittsburgh, Pa. The 21-year-old Bradshaw, last winter draft choice led the Steelers to a 21-6 exhibition victory. (AP Photo)
Quarterback Randy Johnson (11) of the New York Giants sets to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1973. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Gary Lunn (67) gets double teamed during the NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants on December 21, 1985 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-10 . (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants Joe Morris, center, cuts between Pittsburgh Steelers Donnie Shell, left, and Rick Woods, right, as he runs nine yards for a touchdown during first quarter NFL action, Dec. 21, 1985, at Giants Stadium, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
New York Giants defensive end Eric Dorsey (77) prepares for a play during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in East Rutherford, NJ, Aug. 20, 1988. The Giants defeated the Steelers 28-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Karl Nelson (63) prepares for a play during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in East Rutherford, NJ, Aug. 20, 1988. The Giants defeated the Steelers 28-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants tight end Zeke Mowatt (84) leaps in the air for a 2-yard touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL preseason game in East Rutherford, NJ, Aug. 20, 1988. The Giants defeated the Steelers 28-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster (52) blocks as running back Walter Abercrombie (34) leaps over New York Giants linebacker Abraham (51) during the game in East Rutherford, NJ, Aug. 20, 1988. The Giants defeated the Steelers 28-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Abraham (51) hits Pittsburgh Steelers running back Walter Abercrombie (34) in the air as he stops the back near the line of scrimmage during the NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 20, 1988 in East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants won the game 28-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants center Bart Oates (65) pass blocks during the NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 21, 1985 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-10. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver John Stallworth, left, is upended by New York Giants Pete Shaw as Shaw breaks up the play for an incomplete pass in the first quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Aug. 21, 1982. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
An unidentified man sits on top of the backstop of Three Rivers Stadium during Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Giants' game, Aug. 30, 1985. The man climbed out on a guide wire on the stadium's fifth level, and managed to climb safely to the ground. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
New York Giants running back Joe Morris (20) breaks past Pittsburgh Steelers Robin Cole (56) at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 21, 1985. Giants won 28-10. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Lawrence Taylor, (56), is hauled down by Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster, (52), after recovering a fumble by Steeler quarterback Mark Malone during the third quarter of NFL exhibition game in Pittsburgh at night on Friday, August 31, 1985. The Giants won the game 24-14. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) works his way around a blocker during the NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 21, 1985 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-10. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) throws a pass during the NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants on August 25, 1984 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 16-9. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) chases the action during the NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 30, 1986 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 17-3. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants defensive ends Casey Merrill and Leonard Marshall during the Giants 28-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 21, 1985 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants wide receiver Arthur Marshall (83) pulls in a pass in front of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Rod Woodson (26) during the first quarter action, Oct. 23, 1994 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer smiles after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-10 Sunday, Dec. 10, 2000, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John T. Greilick)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) breaks away from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Levon Kirkland (99) and Scott Chad (30) as he runs for 23 yards in the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 10, 2000, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Osi Umenyiora #72 of the New York Giants tackles Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants talks with offensive coordinator John Hufnagel during a timeout against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws a Hail Mary pass to close out the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
William Joseph #94 of the New York Giants hits Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Will Peterson #24 of the New York Giants holds the ball after breaking up a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Fred Robbins #98 and Carlos Emmons #51 of the New York Giants sack Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants meets with Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) scrambles for 13 yards and a first down during the second quarter as Giants center Shaun O'Hara (6) blocks Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Chris Hoke (76) and Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith (91) hits the turf Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers beat the Giants, 33-30. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Pittsburgh Steelers James Farrior (51) tackles New York Giants Ike Hilliard (88) in the first half Saturday Dec. 18, 2004 at Giant Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.The Steelers won the game 33-30. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Osi Umenyiora #72 of the New York Giants tackles Jerome Bettis #36 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey dives to make a touchdown catch as Pittsburgh Steelers safety Russell Stuvaints (33) looks on during the first quarter Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants gets pressured out of the pocket against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants looks for a receiver against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Tom Coughlin head coach of the New York Giants looks on from the sideline against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Verron Haynes #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers gets tackled by Will Allen #25 and Carlos Emmons #51 of the New York Giants during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Tom Coughlin head coach of the New York Giants looks on from the sideline against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Frank Walker #41 of the New York Giants returns an interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants takes the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants celebrates a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants calls signals at the line against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Jeremy Shockey #80 of the New York Giants jaws with Chris Hope #28 of the Pittsburgh Steelers after his helmet was knocked off after a catch during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
The New York Giants prepare to take the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass against the New York Giants during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer, left, dives, trying for a first down after making a catch, as Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Deshaea Townsen defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. Toomer came up a yard short. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass over linebacker Pittsburgh Steelers LeMarr Woodley (56) during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. New York won 21-14.(AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants' Matthias Kiwanuka, right, grabs Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger just before Roethlisberger got off an incomplete pass off in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. The Giants beat the Steelers 21-14. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New York Giants defensive tackle Justin Tuck, top, and defensive end Matthias Kiwanuka, bottom, sack Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. The Giants won 21-14.(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward, bottom, runs as Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu gets a hand on his helmet in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) pulls in a pass as Pittsburgh Steelers' Tyrone Carter (23) defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. The Giants won 21-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor (24) closes in as New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) turns upfield after making a reception during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. New York won 21-14.(AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants Eli Manning (10) throws a touchdown pass over Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Larry Foote (50) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. The Giants won 21-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants fans cheer their team as the Giants leave Heinz Field after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-14 in an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs past Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Casey Hampton (98) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. New York won 21-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning leaves the field after the Giants' 21-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants' James Butler (37) and Kenny Phillips celebrate following Phillips' interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. New York won 21-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips (21) intercepts a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Limas Sweed during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. New York won 21-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants tackle Will Beatty (65) blocks for Ahmad Bradshaw (44) as Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison (92) makes the tackle during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs with the ball after making a catch during a week 9 football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs with the ball after making a catch during a week 9 football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants tight end Martellus Bennett (85) makes a catch during a week 9 football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) reacts after the Giants defense stopped a fake field goal attempt by Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers won the game 24-20. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) celebrates after sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) takes a bow after sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) for a -9 yard loss in the first quarter during the NFL week 9 regular season football game on Sunday Nov. 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, NJ. The Steelers won the game 24-20. (AP Photo / Jim Mahoney)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) celebrates a sack of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during a week 9 football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) gains and leaps for 8 yards, tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers corner back Ike Taylor (24) during the NFL week 9 regular season football game on Sunday Nov. 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, NJ. The Steelers won the game 24-20. (AP Photo / Jim Mahoney)
New York Giants linebacker Michael Boley (59) returns a fumble for a touchdown during a week 9 football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is sacked for a -9 yard loss in the first quarter by New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) during the NFL week 9 regular season football game on Sunday Nov. 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, NJ. The Steelers won the game 24-20. (AP Photo / Jim Mahoney)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) runs back an interception during the second half of an NFL football game as Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) gives chase, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants during opening ceremonies prior to the NFL week 9 regular season football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Nov. 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, NJ The Steelers won the game 24-20. (AP Photo / Jim Mahoney)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) and Osi Umenyiora (72) celebrate a fumble returned for a touchdown by Michael Boley during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) gets past Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Mike Mitchell (23) after a catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) visit after an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. The Steelers won 24-14. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)
New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) spins out of a tackle during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) is tackled by New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) and linebacker Jonathan Casillas, left, during the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)
New York Giants tight end Will Tye (45) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cortez Allen (28) during the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Mike Hilton (28) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Dexter's dominant start
What Dexter Lawrence has done through the first seven games of the season has been nothing short of spectacular. Heading into Week 8, Lawrence has already set a new career-high with nine sacks, beating his previous high mark of 7.5 set in 2022. Reminder, we are only seven games into the season. Not only has Lawrence set a new personal best, but he also leads the entire NFL with his nine sacks. It is the highest sack total by a Giants player in the first seven games since Michael Strahan had 12.5 in 2001, the season in which he set the NFL record with 22.5 sacks.
What makes Lawrence's performance in the pass rush even more impressive is how he is coming about his sacks. The 6-foot-4, 340-pound lineman has faced a double-team rate on 63.3 percent of his pass rushes this season. Not only is this the highest in the NFL, but it is also the highest double-team rate any defender has faced dating back to at least 2018.
"It's not just me, honestly," Lawrence said. "It's the game plans, it's the DBs covering, it's the guys outside of me rushing as well. I do what I can when I can. Whenever I get that one-on-one or whenever I got to hustle to a ball – effort plays - is more than what the numbers say that goes along with me getting sacks."
Lawrence wasn't the only pass rusher to find success against Philadelphia's talented offensive line. Brian Burns and Azeez Ojulari added a sack apiece for the second consecutive game, combining with Lawrence to produce four of the team's five sacks. The trio combined for 13 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus, while totaling five quarterback hits. Hurts had just 14 pass attempts and 21 dropbacks on the day, and yet PFF had the Giants down for 21 total pressures. The Giants' 31 sacks on the season are three more than the next highest team.
Sustaining drives
As Brian Daboll mentioned in the quote above, the Giants' offense struggled in two areas in particular against the Eagles. We already discussed the explosive plays, now let's dive into the third down offense. The Giants were able to convert just three of 14 third down attempts in last week's loss, including five sacks allowed on third downs alone. This inability to pick up first downs in key situations led to the Eagles dominating the time of possession battle, 35:20 – 24:40.
Part of the reason for the team's struggles on third down was the distance needed in order to extend the drive. Of the team's 14 third down attempts, only two could be classified as third-and-short, meaning the offense only needed one or two yards to gain the first down. The Giants converted on both of those attempts. Avoiding third-and-long or even third-and-medium would go a long way in helping the Giants improve in these key situations. And what better way to get to third and short than by being productive in the run game.
"It's hard to sustain drives if you're not creating big plays and you're not converting on third downs," Daboll said after the game Sunday. "Some of that is a result of first and second downs, some of the sacks and negative plays that we took. We haven't been going backwards a whole bunch. But, not good enough any way you look at it."
Over the last two games, Giants running backs have gained 106 yards on 32 carries, good for an average of 3.3 yards per carry. It's not a coincidence that during that same stretch, the offense has converted on just eight of 29 third down attempts. Gaining more yards on the ground on early downs would help put the offense in better third down situations, which in turn would likely help the team convert on more of these attempts. Accomplishing this could be a tough task this week, as the Steelers come into this game ranking second in rushing yards allowed per attempt (3.6 avg.) and third in rushing yards allowed per game (81.0).
Stopping the run
Equally as important as establishing the run game on offense will be stopping the run on the defensive side of the ball. Despite handing the reigns of the offense to Russell Wilson after Justin Fields led the team to a 4-2 start, the Steelers make it no secret that they want to run the football. Pittsburgh comes into this game with 235 rush attempts on the year, the second-most in the NFL. Even with Wilson starting at QB and throwing for 264 yards last week, the Steelers still ran the ball 36 times for 149 yards and two touchdowns.
Over the last few seasons, the Giants had struggled to limit opposing team's run games. However, over the first six weeks of the season, the unit had done a much better job against the run. The Commanders (215 yards) were the only opponent to top 121 yards on the ground against the Giants over the first six weeks of the season. The recent success against the run came to a halt in last week's matchup against the Eagles, though. Philadelphia ran for a total of 269 yards and 3 touchdowns, including 176 yards and a score from Saquon Barkley, who averaged over 10 yards per carry against his former team.
Leading the way for the Pittsburgh run game is running back Najee Harris. The former first-round pick from Alabama has run the ball 117 times for 478 yards (4.1 avg.) and two touchdowns. Harris has topped 100 yards rushing in each of his last two games, marking just the second time in his career he's done so in consecutive weeks. Dating back to last season, Harris has split backfield touches with Jaylen Warren, who finally appears to be back at 100 percent health after missing time with a knee injury. Warren carried the ball a season-high 12 times against the Jets while adding three receptions. His 59 total yards from scrimmage were two short of his season-high.
Scouting the Steelers
As previously mentioned, the strength of the Steelers lies in its defense. Pittsburgh has the No. 2 scoring defense in the league, aided in large part due to the unit's dominance in the red zone. Opponents have gotten inside the 20-yard line 21 times this season, but have been able to punch it into the end zone on only nine occasions. Their 42.9 percent red zone defense is the fourth-best in the NFL.
While Pittsburgh has talented players on every level of its defense, the unit's success starts up front with outside linebacker T.J. Watt. The four-time All-Pro and former Defensive Player of the Year leads the team in sacks (4.5), quarterback hits (12), tackles for loss (eight) and forced fumbles (three). Not far behind Watt in each of those categories is defensive tackle Cameron Hayward, who's second on the team with his three sacks, 10 quarterback hits and four tackles for loss. Watt and Hayward, along with linebackers Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson and safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott, have helped the Steelers form one of the league's top run defenses.
Sticking in the secondary, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. will likely spend a lot of the game covering Malik Nabers. Across 40 coverage snaps last week, Porter matched up against Garrett Wilson on 16 routes and Davante Adams on 12 routes. According to Next Gen Stats, he allowed just one reception for nine yards as the nearest defender in coverage. Opposing teams have typically stayed away from Porter in coverage, as he has only been targeted on 12.8 percent of his coverage snaps this year, the seventh-lowest among cornerbacks with at least 100 coverage snaps.
Russell Wilson will start his second game of the season on Monday after the veteran found plenty of success in his first start last week. Wilson completed only 16 of 29 passes (55.2 percent) but for 264 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions for a passer rating of 109.0. The 35-year-old attempted three passes 20+ yards down the field and completed two of them for 81 yards and a 109.7 passer rating. On passes of 10-19 air yards, Wilson went three for four for 68 yards and a touchdown, earning a 156.3 passer rating on those attempts.
The biggest beneficiary of Wilson starting appears to be wide receiver George Pickens. The third-year wideout finished with 111 yards on five receptions against the Jets' talented pass defense, which marked just the second time this season he's topped the 100-yard mark, in addition to scoring his first touchdown of the year. Wilson also got his tight ends involved with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington combining for six receptions and 87 yards.
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