The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 defense is one of the best the organization has had in some time, and captain TJ Watt is making another case for Defensive Player of the Year. Watt and the defense's next challenge will come against Daniel Jones and the New York Giants on Monday Night Football at Acrisure Stadium, which will be the team’s final home primetime game of the season (barring a flex and excluding Christmas Day). New York's offense is anything but special, however, Jones' ability to use his legs and extend plays causes major problems for opposing defenses.
Through New York's 2-5 start, the Giants have the 10th worst passing offense and eighth worst rushing offense in the league. They're also tied for the second fewest points scored per game with 14.1, along with the New England Patriots. Jones has carried the ball himself 50 times already for over 180 yards, while New York's two running backs in Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracey Jr. each have just over 230 rushing yards.
Jones has a lot of run designed plays for himself in the Giants’ offense, and with the challenges that Pittsburgh's defense brings, he's probably going to be New York’s most effective rusher on Monday night. Watt explained to reporters on Saturday that Jones' rushing habits have his attention, and he plans to make New York pay.
"He's a big quarterback, fast guy," Watt said. "I think he's hit some top speeds over the past couple of years. A guy that doesn't seem to want to slide, he has that competitive edge to him where he's always trying to get to the line of gain. It allows for some opportunities to hopefully ball search."
Any smart offense or quarterback in the NFL should know to get on the ground before allowing someone like Watt to make an effort on the football. Watt has already forced three fumbles in 2024, and went without one in a Week 7 victory. He's already due for another, and it won't be surprising seeing some right hooks from the perennial star in Week 8.
Watt and the rest of the Steelers’ defense should have a field day against New York. The Giants' offensive front is banged up too, including their right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor who is supposed to match up with Watt. Jones has four turnovers on the year, all interceptions, and more should be coming in Pittsburgh in Monday night.
Steelers Can't Fall For Typical Trap Game Against The Giants Before The Bye Week
The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 defense is one of the best the organization has had in some time, and captain TJ Watt is making another case for Defensive Player of the Year. Watt and the defense's next challenge will come against Daniel Jones and the New York Giants on Monday Night Football at Acrisure Stadium, which will be the team’s final home primetime game of the season (barring a flex and excluding Christmas Day). New York's offense is anything but special, however, Jones' ability to use his legs and extend plays causes major problems for opposing defenses.
Through New York's 2-5 start, the Giants have the 10th worst passing offense and eighth worst rushing offense in the league. They're also tied for the second fewest points scored per game with 14.1, along with the New England Patriots. Jones has carried the ball himself 50 times already for over 180 yards, while New York's two running backs in Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracey Jr. each have just over 230 rushing yards.
Jones has a lot of run designed plays for himself in the Giants’ offense, and with the challenges that Pittsburgh's defense brings, he's probably going to be New York’s most effective rusher on Monday night. Watt explained to reporters on Saturday that Jones' rushing habits have his attention, and he plans to make New York pay.
"He's a big quarterback, fast guy," Watt said. "I think he's hit some top speeds over the past couple of years. A guy that doesn't seem to want to slide, he has that competitive edge to him where he's always trying to get to the line of gain. It allows for some opportunities to hopefully ball search."
Any smart offense or quarterback in the NFL should know to get on the ground before allowing someone like Watt to make an effort on the football. Watt has already forced three fumbles in 2024, and went without one in a Week 7 victory. He's already due for another, and it won't be surprising seeing some right hooks from the perennial star in Week 8.
Watt and the rest of the Steelers’ defense should have a field day against New York. The Giants' offensive front is banged up too, including their right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor who is supposed to match up with Watt. Jones has four turnovers on the year, all interceptions, and more should be coming in Pittsburgh in Monday night.
Steelers Can't Fall For Typical Trap Game Against The Giants Before The Bye Week
Pittsburgh has a perfect opportunity to settle in at 6-2 before the bye week in Week 9. The Steelers haven't been 6-2 or better by Week 9 since their 11-0 undefeated stretch in 2020. Although, as the fan base has commonly seen, the Steelers just always seem to play down to their inferior opponents, especially after a convincing win. A loss to the Giants at home on Monday night would put a huge dent into the team’s AFC North title hopes, but would also create even more quarterback controversy.
The Steelers absolutely need to win the game to get to 6-2. After their bye week, the competition throughout the rest of the season is significantly tougher than what they've faced so far. More importantly, the Steelers will have all six of their inner-division games in the final eight weeks. As long as Watt and the defense can take care of their usual business against a nonthreatening Giants offense, Pittsburgh should have their sixth win of 2024.
