Giants, Steelers Potential Super Bowl Preview
The New York Giants Play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8
Oct 22, 2008
New York Giants (5-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1)
The New York Giants travel to the Steel City Sunday to play the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 4:15 nationally televised match-up of division leaders. The winner will be one step closer to the top spot in their conference as the season’s half point approaches.
AFC North vs. NFC East
Normally, intra-divisional games are viewed with the utmost importance for a team in order to gain prestige, respect, and a playoff spot. In the 2008 season, the games between teams in the AFC North and NFC East have bucked that trend. The two divisions are paired up so that each team faces one another once. Going into Week 8, teams in the AFC North hold a 1-5 against their NFC East counterparts. For a division with only one team with a winning record, the AFC North can ill-afford for this trend to continue.
Baltimore Ravens: The only AFC North team with an even .500 record has yet to play an NFC East opponent. Their upcoming games against NFC East opponents may be a tipping point for their season.
Cincinnati Bengals: They disappeared into oblivion after a critical overtime loss to the New York Giants. Had the Bengals come away with a victory, they may have been able to salvage an utterly dismal season.
Cleveland Browns: A resounding Monday night win against the New York Giants on October 13th rejuvenated them. They were floored with a thud the next week at the hands of another NFC East opponent, the Washington Redskins.
Pittsburgh Steelers: The Philadelphia Eagles handed the Steelers their only loss this season.
2004 Steelers at Giants Match-Up
Two of the last three Super Bowls have been won by these teams. The last matchup featured two precocious rookies in their first seasons. Ben Roethlisberger, the 11th pick in the 2004 draft, got the best of Manning, the first pick that year, at Giants Stadium. The Steelers quarterback recorded 316 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in the Steelers’ 33-30 win on December 18, 2004.
Manning threw for a then-career-high 182 yards and had his first multi-touchdown game in his fifth NFL start.
2008 Giants at Steelers Match-Up
Entering this Sunday’s game, each team leads their division. While the Steelers have a 2 game lead over the second-place Baltimore Ravens, the reigning Super Bowl Champion New York Giants hold a ½ game lead over the Washington Redskins and a 1 ½ game over the struggling Dallas Cowboys.
The weather and field condition could play a key role in this contest. Before the opening kickoff, field conditions may be bordering on mediocre to poor. A combination of heavy rain due to arrive Saturday, cool temperatures, and a Pittsburgh Panthers game on Saturday afternoon may deplete field conditions.
The field conditions have long been criticized by opposing players. Jacksonville Jaguars’ running back Fred Taylor went so far to say, "That field is terrible. That's a lawsuit pending. That's ridiculous."
The linebacker corps of the Steelers and the defense line of the Giants will clearly be the strong points for each defense. Whether the offensive and defensive lines will be able to keep their footing will determine if Manning and Roethlisberger will have time to throw the ball. Steelers’ running back Willie Parker returns after a three game absence. New York Giants’ Wide Receiver will make his first appearance against his former team and may be greeted with a chorus of boos.
Line:
According to www.bodoglife.com, the Steelers are favored by 3.
