The Giants kick of the 2020 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night at MetLife Stadium. Here are a few things I've seen while watching the film leading up to Week 1.
*The Steelers will have only two new players in starting roles this year (guard Stefen Wisniewski and nose tackle Chris Wormley) and return head coach Mike Tomlin, offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner, defensive coordinator Keith Butler, and special teams coordinator Danny Smith. They are a model of continuity in an ever-changing NFL.
*It is impossible to use any of last year's data to determine overall trends for the Steelers' offense. Ben Roethlisberger was hurt in their second game and didn't play the remainder of the season. Anything backup QBs Devlin Hodges and Mason Rudolph did would not necessarily apply to a Roethlesberger attack.
*In 2018, Roethlesberger was extremely productive, throwing for more than 5,000 yards and 34 touchdowns, while completing 67% of his passes. He had a 2.4% interception rate, with 16 on 675 passing attempts. No one had more passing attempts than Roethlisberger, yet he was only sacked 24 times. According to Pro Football Focus, he was tied with Drew Brees with the third-fastest time to throw (2.48 seconds) in the NFL.
*The Steelers' starting offensive line returns from last year, though there is a chance they will be without Pro Bowl right guard David DeCastro due to injury. According to reports, veteran addition Stefen Wisniewski would replace him. According to the team's unofficial depth chart, last year's starter at right tackle, Matt Feiler will be moving to left guard. The team announced that their starting right tackle will be Zach Banner, who was a reserve last season.
*The Steelers are not shy about throwing the ball downfield. In 2018, according to PFF, the Steelers attempted the second-most passes of 20+ yards with 100.
*Roethlisberger has a number of weapons to throw the ball to. Diontae Johnson led the Steelers with 59 receptions in 2019. He played just short of 90% of his snaps outside last year, despite standing at only 5-10 and weighing 183 pounds. Juju Smith Schuster played in only 12 games last year, spending 370 of his snaps in the slot, and lining up 205 times outside. He caught 42 passes for 552 yards and three touchdowns. His average depth of target nearly doubles when he is lined up outside versus in the slot. James Washington is the team's primary deep threat and led the team with 735 receiving yards and 16.7 yards per catch. Second-round pick Chase Claypool has the size (6-4, 238 pounds) and speed (4.42 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine) to be a deep threat.
*James Conner is the team's starting running back. He struggled to stay healthy last year, playing in only 10 games and rushing for 464 yards. He is a tough, physical back and runs well between the tackles at 233 pounds. He also caught 34 passes for 251 yards.
*Despite the Steelers offense finishing near the bottom of the league in yards and points per game in 2019, their defense was dominant. This is where the Steelers, a base 3-4 defense, ranked in a number of important categories:
- 4th in points allowed – 283
- 2nd in negative yardage forced: -484 yards
- 1st in yards after the catch allowed: 1449
- 7th fewest 20+ yard passes allowed: 43
- 3rd in passing yards allowed per game: 194.6
- 3rd in yards allowed per play: 4.72
- 1st in sacks: 54
*Last season, the Steelers allowed only seven rushing touchdowns, which was tied with the Patriots for the fewest allowed in the NFL. Their 3.79 yards allowed per rush were the third-fewest in the league. They allowed only six rushes of 20+ yards and none of 50 or more. The Steelers do not allow opposing teams to run the ball against them, especially on early downs (3.75 yards per carry on first down – third-best in the league)
*Cameron Heyward plays with tremendous power and often marches the offensive lineman trying to block him into the backfield. His combination of athleticism and strength makes him very difficult to block. One of the reasons Watt and Bud Dupree were able to ring up so many sacks last year rushing outside was Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, and Jason Hargrave (now with the Eagles and replaced by Chris Wormley) collapsed the inside of the pocket, which prevented quarterbacks from stepping up. Heyward's 66 total pressures were fourth-most amongst interior defensive linemen, behind only Aaron Donald, Calais Campbell and Kenny Clark. Heyward is also a primary reason the run defense was so effective.
*3-4 defensive end Stephon Tuitt (3.5 sacks) played in only six games last year due to a torn pectoral muscle that derailed his season.
View photos of the Pittsburgh Steelers starters according to their first unofficial depth chart.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin
QB Ben Roethlisberger
RB James Conner
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
WR Diontae Johnson
TE Eric Ebron
TE Vance McDonald
FB Derek Watt
LT Alejandro Villanueva
LG Matt Feiler
C Maurkice Pouncey
RG David DeCastro
RT Zach Banner
DT Cameron Heyward
NT Tyson Alualu
DE Stephon Tuitt
LOLB T.J. Watt
LILB Devin Bush
RILB Vince Williams
ROLB Bud Dupree
LCB Joe Haden
FS Minkah Fitzpatrick
SS Terrell Edmunds
RCB Steven Nelson
NICK Mike Hilton
P Dustin Colquitt
K Chris Boswell
LS Kameron Canaday
H Dustin Colquitt
KR Anthony McFarland Jr.
KR Ray-Ray McCloud
PR Diontae Johnson
*T.J. Watt lines up exclusively on the left side of the defensive front against the opponent's right tackle. Watt has violent hands and is able to bend the edge against offensive tackles to get to the quarterback. He wins with a variety of moves and has a motor that never stops. Watt's 14.5 sacks were tied for fourth in the NFL and his 21.4% win percentage (according to Pro Football Focus) was tied for ninth with teammate Stephon Tuitt. His 87 total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus, was tied with Nick Bosa for fourth. Watt also had eight forced fumbles and eight passes defended last year. He is a playmaker and a potential game-wrecker.
*Bud Dupree will line up over rookie left tackle Andrew Thomas. He finished with 11.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hits last season.
*Devin Bush is a slightly undersized (5-11. 234 pounds) but led the team in tackles as a rookie as their inside linebacker.
*The Steelers led the league with 38 takeaways last season, including 20 interceptions, which ranked second. Minkah Fitzpatrick arrived after two games last year in a trade with the Dolphins and had five interceptions. Joe Haden added five interceptions and led the team with 12 forced incompletions, according to PFF. Fellow starting cornerback Steven Nelson had 11.
*The Steelers' pass defense ranked fourth in the NFL, allowing 6.06 yards per play. They allowed the third-fewest yards per game (194.6) and were only one of four teams to hold opponents under 200 passing yards per contest.
*According to PFF, Pittsburgh generated 372 total quarterback pressures, which was the third in the NFL. Their 54 sacks led the NFL. They also paced the NFL in the percentage of passing snaps they pressured the quarterback (45.1%) and sacked the quarterback (8.6%). They achieved those impressive marks by blitzing 38% of the time, which was the fifth-highest mark in the NFL. They ran stunts or twists 18.6% of the time, which is just above the league average.
*According to PFF, the Steelers played Cover 3 37.8% of the time, which was the sixth-most frequent amount in the NFL. They are primarily a zone team, though they still played some form of Cover 1 (man-to-man with one safety deep) just over a quarter of the time.
View photos of the history between the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers.
New York Giants halfback Bosh Pritchard (35) is aided by effective blocking as he goes through an opening for a 6 yard gain in first quarter of National Football League game with Pittsburgh Steelers at Polo Grounds in New York City, Dec. 2, 1951. Giant guard Duke Maronic (67) takes out a Steeler at left. Other identifiable player is Giant quarterback Chuck Conerly (42). (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Ward Cuff (14) of the New York Giants kicking a 23-yard field goal in the 2nd quarter of game with the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Polo Grounds in New York City, Oct. 20, 1940. Giant Players are Tuffy Leemans (4) holding ball; Doug Older Shaw (39); Leland Shaffer (20) and John McLaughry (17). Steelers are: Everett Fisher (8); John Woudenberg (36), Frank Sullivan (18), and John Noppenberg (50). Giants beat Steelers 12 to 0. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Hall of Fame safety Emlen Tunnell (45) and safety Jim Patton (20) defend a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers halfback Ray Matthews (25) during an NFL game in Pittsburgh, Pa., Nov. 4, 1956. The Giants defeated the Steelers 17-14. (AP Photo/Pro Football Hall of Fame)
Frank Gifford, New York Giant halfback is brought down by bevy of Pittsburgh Steelers after taking pass good for 11-yard gain in second period at Yankee Stadium, New York City, on Nov. 15, 1959. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Del Shofner (85) balances a Y.A. Title pass on his fingertip in Pittsburgh Steelers end zone as Steelers' Brady Keys (26) makes flying effort to break up play. Giants won, 42-21, to move into first place in Eastern Conference of National Football League in 1961. (AP Photo)
Frank Gifford of the New York Giant (16) reaches for a pass thrown by Y.A. Tittle in the third quarter of game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sept. 30, 1962. Gifford caught the pass and went over for a touchdown to give the Giants a 24-20 lead it never relinquished. New York won 31-27. (AP Photo/Dozier Mobley)
New York Giants' flanker back Frank Gifford (16) snares a pass during game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 15, 1963. (AP Photo)
New York Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle (14) is shown in action during game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Dec. 15, 1963. The Giants won the game 33-17 to take the Eastern Conference Championship of the National Football League. (AP Photo)
Del Shofner, (85), New York Giants' end, grabs Y.A. Tittles' pass for touchdown at 41st-yard line in first quarter of game with Steelers at New York's Yankee Stadium on Dec. 15, 1963. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Randy Minniear (27) hits the ground after tackle by unidentified Pittsburgh Steelers defender in the second period at Yankee Stadium, Nov. 20, 1967, New York. Randy picked up nine years on a pass play from Fran Tarkenton, (10) right background. The Giants won the National Football League game 28-20. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Aaron Thomas of the New York Giants does a headstand after taking a touchdown pass of about 45 yards from quarterback Fran Tarkenton in the second quarter of the on Nov. 19, 1967 National Football League game in New York. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants Fran Tarkenton (10) recovers a fumble during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12,1969 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. Also pictured is Pittsburgh Steelers Ben McGee (60). The New York Giants beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 10-7. (David Durochik via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers L.C Greenwood (68) and Pittsburgh Steelers Ben McGee (60) during a game against the New York Giants on October 12,1969 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The New York Giant beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 10-7. (David Durochik via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Roland Lakes (76) stops Pittsburgh Steeler running back Preston Pearson, at left in mid air, at 31-yard line in the fourth quarter of NFL Exhibition Game, in New York's Yankee Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 13, 1971. The Giants Carl Lockhart (43) lower right, assists in play. Steelers won the game, 20-3 (AP Photo/ John Lindsay)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) works his way around a blocker during the NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 21, 1985 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-10. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Joe Morris (20) breaks past Pittsburgh Steelers Robin Cole (56) at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 21, 1985. Giants won 28-10. (AP Photo)
New York Giants wide receiver Arthur Marshall (83) pulls in a pass in front of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Rod Woodson (26) during the first quarter action, Oct. 23, 1994 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) breaks away from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Levon Kirkland (99) and Scott Chad (30) as he runs for 23 yards in the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 10, 2000, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Pittsburgh Steelers James Farrior (51) tackles New York Giants Ike Hilliard (88) in the first half Saturday Dec. 18, 2004 at Giant Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.The Steelers won the game 33-30. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants center Bart Oates (65) pass blocks during the NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 21, 1985 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-10. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey dives to make a touchdown catch as Pittsburgh Steelers safety Russell Stuvaints (33) looks on during the first quarter Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) scrambles for 13 yards and a first down during the second quarter as Giants center Shaun O'Hara (60) blocks Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Chris Hoke (76) and Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith (91) hits the turf Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers beat the Giants, 33-30. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer, left, dives, trying for a first down after making a catch, as Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Deshaea Townsen defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. Toomer came up a yard short. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor (24) closes in as New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) turns upfield after making a reception during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. New York won 21-14.(AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs past Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Casey Hampton (98) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. New York won 21-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants' Matthias Kiwanuka, right, grabs Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger just before Roethlisberger got off an incomplete pass off in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. The Giants beat the Steelers 21-14. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New York Giants Eli Manning (10) throws a touchdown pass over Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Larry Foote (50) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. The Giants won 21-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips (21) intercepts a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Limas Sweed during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. New York won 21-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants defensive tackle Justin Tuck, top, and defensive end Matthias Kiwanuka, bottom, sack Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. The Giants won 21-14.(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New York Giants linebacker Danny Clark, left, runs with the ball after intercepting a pass by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, right, in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. The Giants won 21-14. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates a touchdown a week 9 football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs with the ball after making a catch during a week 9 football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take not he Pittsburgh Steelers during a week 13 NFL football game on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs away from Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Keenan Lewis (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) runs back an interception during the second half of an NFL football game as Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) gives chase, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants outside linebacker Michael Boley (59) runs away from Pittsburgh Steelers guard Ramon Foster (73) as he returns a fumble for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, left, shakes hands with Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, right, after an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers won the game 24-20. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) celebrates after sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) stands in the huddle before a week 13 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) during a week 13 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) visit after an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. The Steelers won 24-14. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take not he Pittsburgh Steelers during a week 13 NFL football game on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) crosses the goal line for a touchdown in front of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ross Cockrell (31) during the second half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)
New York Giants tight end Will Tye (45) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cortez Allen (28) during the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) during a week 13 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants nose tackle Robert Thomas (99) during a week 13 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants tight end Jerell Adams (89) during a week 13 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) during a week 13 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Sign up for the Giants Newsletter
Breaking news and exclusive content direct to your inbox
