Steelers could make it three straight wins by executing these three keys on MNF.
New York Jets v Pittsburgh Steelers
New York Jets v Pittsburgh Steelers / Joe Sargent
The Steelers are set to play back-to-back primetime games, this time facing the struggling Giants from New York. A victory would propel the Steelers to a 6-2 record heading into their bye week, after which the real challenges await. Meanwhile, the Giants are fighting to keep their season alive, and for many on their coaching staff, this game could be crucial for job security next year.
First and foremost, the Steelers need to take care of business and enter their well-deserved break on a high note. The timing of the bye week is ideal, as several players are nearing full health. However, they must secure a win against a team they are favored to beat.
To avoid an embarrassing home loss on a national stage, the Steelers need to focus on these three keys to victory.
Neutralize Malik Nabers
Malik Nabers is a rookie who’s quickly making a name for himself as one of the league’s premier pass catchers. The Steelers defense must keep a close eye on him at all times, likely resorting to double coverage in every passing scenario.
Expect Minkah Fitzpatrick to take on a significant role in trying to contain Nabers. The strategy should be clear: force another Giants player to step up and make plays, and don’t relent until they do.
Test Daniel Jones
Pittsburgh’s defense has shown impressive performance over the past two weeks. With New York’s offensive line and quarterback struggling, it’s crucial for the Steelers to ramp up the pressure. Last week, Jones was sacked seven times against the Eagles.
By applying consistent pressure on Daniel Jones, the Steelers can force him into making poor decisions. The more he has to drop back to pass or finds himself in long-distance situations, the higher the likelihood of mistakes. This defense is too good to falter against a struggling Giants offense, and it’s time for Pittsburgh’s front seven to dominate.
Monday night should serve as a testing ground to explore ways to free up T.J. Watt and implement some innovative blitz packages. After the bye, the Steelers will face some of the NFL’s top offenses, and relying solely on a four-man rush won’t be enough to secure victories.
‘Russ’ must shake off the rust
Russell Wilson’s first start as a Steeler revealed a bit of rust, and he didn’t quite showcase his best passing performance, despite what the stats might suggest. Many of his passing yards were a result of remarkable catches by George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth. Wilson often struggled with underthrowing his wide receivers, but it’s just one game, and there’s plenty of room for improvement.
One clear takeaway is that the Steelers’ passing game has significantly opened up compared to when Justin Fields was the starter. The offense appears more balanced, and against the Giants’ defense, we can expect to see more deep shots and chunk plays as Wilson settles into his role.
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