The Giants suffered a heavy defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, dropping them to 2-5 on the season. On Monday night they face the Pittsburgh Steelers, who just blew out the Jets to move to 5-2 on the year.
Here are some of the biggest stories to watch as the Giants look to reverse their fortunes:
Will Daniel Jones’ primetime struggles continue?
With head coach Brian Daboll facing weekly questions about if and when Jones might be benched, a nationally televised game would seem like a good opportunity for Jones to prove he still belongs. However, Jones has not fared well in the national spotlight in the past.
Jones has started 15 games in primetime, winning just one of those, as he’s gone seven in a row without a touchdown pass. In all, he has 12 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. For comparison, in 52 non-primetime games, he’s thrown 56 touchdowns with only 24 interceptions.
If Jones can’t reverse that trend on Monday night, we might see him replaced by Drew Lock again, as he was at the end of the Eagles game.
How will the Giants deal with T.J. Watt?
The Giants are still working out who will be their starting left tackle following Andrew Thomas’ season ending foot surgery. Joshua Ezeudu got the nod on Sunday but struggled badly so New York is reportedly reconsidering their options. As if this decision wasn’t problematic enough, Watt, the all-pro pass rusher, lines up on the other side.
Moving Jermaine Eluemunor to the left was one possibility but the Giants may instead view him as their best bet to stay in front of Watt. However, Eluemunor missed practice time this week due to a groin injury to further complicate matters. We may end up seeing Evan Neal making his return and being thrown right into the fire.
Alex Highsmith is no slouch on the other edge, either, so Jones will still need to be concerned that his blindside is adequately protected.
Can Dexter Lawrence take advantage of his matchup?
Watt is usually among the league leaders in sacks, but this year’s leader is Lawrence, who is having a sensational season despite the Giants’ struggles.
Rookie Zach Frazier had been playing well at center for the Steelers, but he’s injured so Lawrence will be keen to get after his replacement, the inexperienced Ryan McCollum. Lawrence is already one of the most double-teamed players in the NFL and that looks set to continue, which could open up opportunities for some of his linemates.
Who will step up for the Giants on third down?
The Giants’ inability to sustain drives hurt them on Sunday, as they went just 3-for-14 on third down and will be looking to improve on those numbers.
Wan’Dale Robinson is usually a good option for Jones on third downs and leads the Giants with 16 third-down receptions this season. However, he’s been quiet over the past three games with just 109 receiving yards on 29 targets.
Malik Nabers, who has a team-high 193 yards and two touchdowns on third down, could be someone who Jones needs to develop more of a connection with in those “gotta have it” situations.
How will Deonte Banks fare against George Pickens?
You have to feel some sympathy towards Banks, who has faced a murderers’ row of top receiving talent this season and held up reasonably well, all things considered. However, he’s yet to intercept a pass this season and has received some criticism for his effort levels from fans, media and his position coaches.
With Russell Wilson now starting for Pittsburgh, Pickens had his first touchdown and longest reception of the season as he racked up over 100 yards in Sunday night’s win over the Jets.
Banks must limit the damage from the talented 23-year-old if the Giants are to have any chance of improving to 3-1 on the road.
