Update: Steelers (5-1) Take on Defending Champs; Giants (5-1): Preview

Update: Willie Parker is now listed as doubtful and Santonio Holmes has been placed on the inactive list as he deals with his marijuana arrest. These are two pieces of bad news for the Steelers.

In what many are calling the game of the week, the Steelers will play host to the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. They both support the same record. Both quarterbacks were drafted in the same year and own SB rings, which makes this game potentially the game of the week.

 

The Steelers will see many starters return to their line-up. The Steelers will welcome back Willie Parker, but don’t expect Mewelde Moore to be pushed back to the third down back, rather the Steelers will have that two-headed monster they thought they had with Mendenhall in the line-up. The Steelers should also welcome back Casey Hampton. Coach Tomlin is also very optimistic that Troy Polomalu will be good to go.

 

In any case, this could be a match-up for the ages. Both teams want to prove they can compete against the leagues elite and both want to win, to keep their grip on their respective decisions. Here’s how they match up statiscally:

NYG 3rd OFF; PIT 1st DEF

NYG 1st RUN; PIT 2nd VS. RUN

NYG 12th PASS; PIT 1st VS. PASS

NYG 2nd PTS; PIT 2nd PTS ALLOWED

PIT 24th OFF; NYG 4th DEF;

PIT 18th RUN; NYG 5th VS. RUN

PIT 21st PASS; NYG 11th VS. PASS

PIT 13th PTS; NYG 6th PTS ALLOWED

PIT 6th TO/TA; NYG 15th TO/TA

THE TEAMS LAST PLAYED IN 2004, WITH PIT WINNING 33-30.

PIT LBS LAMARR WOODLEY AND JAMES HARRISON HAVE COMBINED FOR 16 SACKS.

NYG QB ELI MANNING THREW FOR A SEASON-LOW 161 YARDS IN WEEK SEVEN.

NYG RB BRANDON JACOBS IS AVERAGING 86 RUSHING YARDS A GAME.

PIT RB MEWELDE MOORE HAS RUSHED FOR 37-219-2  IN TWO STARTS.

FOUR OF NYG’S NEXT 6 GAMES ARE ON THE ROAD.

Prediction: The Giants boast that they have the best offensive line in football. That will definitely be put to the test by the Steelers, who have stymied pretty much every team they have faced. This could be the integral part to the game. I also think the Steelers possess a better running attack. Another important match up will be who covers Plaxico Buress. With McFadden out, the task could turn to Deshea Townsend. Also, a very important point is what quarterback makes the least mistakes. Both QB’s have proven they can lead and win a game for their respective teams, but I have a feeling that the Steelers defence will get to Eli Manning often and force him into mistakes. My prediction: Steelers 24 Giants 17

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Last post (s) by Jamie Van Dusen

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