NFL Breakdown - Steelers Defense vs Giants Offense

SteelerNation Awaits James Harrison's Return
To Bringing the NASTY Back to the Steeler D

Here at the Black n' Gold Blitz we've already talked about the Steelers offense, and what they need to do to handle the Giants defense.  Now its time we flip the switch and talk about the Steelers defense going up against Eli Manning and the Giants big play offense.  Lets break it down into 5 storylines:

- Get to Eli - Eli Manning at one point in his career was almost like a sitting duck when he dropped back to pass.  Who can forget when he was hit in the preseason and his helmet slid up and his forehead was gashed...blood was everywhere.  The Giants have gotten their OLine in order since then, and Eli has benefited from not having a pass rush in his face.  Eli has only been sacked 6 times through 8 games.  The Giants are sporting a 6th ranked passing offense heading into the game Sunday vs the Steelers.  The Giants average 280yds/gm through the air and most of that is through big plays.  The Steelers defense getting to Manning and forcing quick throws / hot reads could be a huge part in this game.  If Eli doesn't have time to go deep then the deep ball is eliminated from the game.

- Stop the Run - Without sounding like stating the obvious, the Steelers need to do something they haven't done much of this season, and that is to completely eliminate one facet of their opposition's offense.  Sure, the Steelers held the Redskins to under 100yds rushing, as for the Bengals, but this Giants team is a team that lives off of being balanced.  The Giants have the 12th ranked rushing attack with 114yds/game on the ground.  If the Steelers can shut down the run and force Eli Manning into obvious passing situations...then that is when they can strike big.  Eli has thrown 8 INTs to 12 TDs this season, and turnovers could decide this game.

- Force Mistakes -  As I just said, Eli Manning has 8 INTs to accompany his 12 TDs, so it isn't like he is immune to throwing the ball to the other team.  On top of Eli's INTs, Ahmad Bradshaw has been known to put the ball on the turf a time or two as well.  He has already fumbled 3 times this season, and lost all 3 of those fumbles.  The Steelers haven't been a team that has taken advantage of the turnover yet this season, but in the big game sometimes its those plays that are able to get you a 'W' instead of a 'L'.  The Giants take risks, but its up to the Steelers defense to take those risks and turn them into rewards for the Black n Gold.

- Beware of the Big Play - Out of Eli's 12 TDs, 7 of those have been thrown to Victor Cruz.  With Hakeem Nicks being hampered by a lingering foot issue, Cruz has become Eli's security blanker.  The smaller, but speedy WR is averaging 12.5 yds per catch and has become a huge deep threat for the Giants.  The Steelers have done a great job of taking away the deep ball the last 2 games, but don't be surprised if the Giants don't take the obvious HR ball down the field, but work the intermediate middle of the field the same way the Raiders, Titans, and Broncos did with success.  Pressure on the QB is huge in preventing the big play, and its something that needs to be addressed because the Steelers haven't done much of it the past few weeks.  With Lamarr Woodley questionable for the game on Sunday it doesn't bode well for the Steelers' pass rushing goals.

- Bring Back the Nasty - The Steelers defense used to be feared.  The Steelers defense used to be used with the word vaunted.  The Steelers used to just be downright nasty on defense.  Now, they've turned into a better than average defense that does the little things well.  Where did the relentless pass rush go?  Where are the sack fumbles?  Where are the crushing hits that dislodge the ball from the ball carrier?  All have vanished in this 2012 Steelers defense, but it only takes on game to get that swagger back.  Just like how it took Willie Colon body slamming a Bengal to get the offense going, the defense needs that play.  That huge sack, that INT for a TD, or even a strip fumble to get the NASTY back in this defense.  When sharks smell blood in the water it can turn ugly (I know...I watch 'Shark Week')....so maybe this challenge in front of the Steelers is just what the doctor ordered.  Its a big challenge, but big players step up in big situations!  Lets go Steelers!