Everything you need to know heading into Monday Night Football between the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers:
Series History
Kickoff is scheduled for Sept. 14 at 7:10 p.m. ET in MetLife Stadium. This will be the 78th matchup all-time between the two clubs, with the Giants leading the series 44-30-3 all-time, including 22-16 as the home team.
Kickoff Weekend
The Giants have 50 wins on Kickoff Weekend, third-most among all teams, while Pittsburgh's 43 wins on Kickoff Weekend are the most among AFC teams.
Injury Report
New York Giants
Questionable: LB Tae Crowder (Hamstring), WR Golden Tate (Hamstring), TE Levine Toilolo (Hamstring)
*DB Adrian Colbert (illness) and LB Markus Golden (illness) appeared on the injury report this week but practiced fully on Friday and Saturday.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Out: G Dave DeCastro (Knee)
5,846 Days Since…
Monday night will be the first time in 5,846 days (16 years, 2 days) that someone other than Eli Manning will start the season opener at quarterback for the Giants. The last time was Kurt Warner on September 12, 2004 at Philadelphia. Second-year pro Daniel Jones is set to make his first opening start.
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)
Judge & Co.
Five teams enter the 2019 season with a new head coach – Joe Judge with New York Giants, Matt Rhule in Carolina, Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland, Mike McCarthy in Dallas, and Ron Rivera in Washington. Five rookie head coaches have led their teams to the playoffs over the last three seasons: Matt LaFleur (Green Bay) in 2019, Matt Nagy (Chicago) and Frank Reich (Indianapolis) in 2018, and Sean McVay (L.A. Rams) and Sean McDermott (Buffalo) in 2017.
Judge-Tomlin Connection
While Judge makes his head coaching debut, Mike Tomlin will man the sideline for the 224th time, including postseason outings. The two have been connected for years through current Giants assistant coach (special projects and situations) Amos Jones, who goes way back with Tomlin.
Judge and Jones have previously worked together at the former's alma mater, Mississippi State, from 2004-06. Judge was a senior backup quarterback and special teamer in 2004 before beginning his coaching career and a three-year stint as graduate assistant with the Bulldogs the following season. During those three years, Jones was a linebackers and special teams coach. When Tomlin, then the defensive coordinator for the Vikings, took over as head coach of the Steelers, he hired Jones as the assistant special teams coach.
"He would call Amos sometimes, Amos would say, 'Grab that phone and talk to Mike for a minute,'" Judge recalled of his days as a grad assistant. "I got to meet him briefly through the phone. Shortly thereafter, he was a head coach in Pittsburgh. To be honest with you, I immediately became a Steelers fan because amongst him and some other people that have been good to me that were good enough to give me the opportunity to tag along with them.
"I was able to visit them early in his tenure in Pittsburgh when I was a GA. There were times at the combine he allowed me to be a fly on the wall, sit there and have dinner on his check, so I'm very appreciative of that. But he was always very open for a conversation, very open to share some advice when it came up. I have a lot of respect for him as a person, I have a lot of respect for him as a coach. He's done tremendous things in his career."
Giants Announce 6 Captains
The Giants announced six captains as chosen in a vote by the players. Saquon Barkley is the only one of the six who was a captain in 2019. Two of the captains – Blake Martinez and Nate Ebner – are first-year Giants.
The Giants' 2020 captains:
Offense: Saquon Barkley, Daniel Jones
Defense: Blake Martinez, Dalvin Tomlinson
Special Teams: Nate Ebner, Jabrill Peppers
Expanded Playoffs
New in 2020, the NFL adopted a 14-team playoff format, with two additional wild-card teams. Since 1990, at least four teams every season have qualified for the playoffs after failing to make the postseason the year before. The NFL last expanded the playoffs for the 1990 season, increasing from 10 to 12 the number of teams to qualify for the postseason.
Key Stat
Pittsburgh led the NFL with 38 takeaways in 2019, including a league-high 18 fumble recoveries. T.J. Watt forced eight fumbles, tied with Arizona's Chandler Jones for the NFL lead. Meanwhile, the Giants lost more fumbles (16) than any other team.
Depth Chart
The New York Giants have released their first depth chart ahead of Monday night's season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. As always, it is subject to change. It simply serves as a guide, more so for the media than the coaches.
"Everything in our program, I wouldn't say anything is ever in concrete," Judge said. "We're very clear to our players, it's a production business. It's week by week. It's whoever's playing the best at that time, whoever gives us the best chance for a game plan matchup against an opponent, that's who we're going to play."
Here is a look at the first unofficial depth chart:
BASE OFFENSE
| Position | Player | Player | Player | Player |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WR | Sterling Shepard | Damion Ratley | ||
| TE | Evan Engram | Kaden Smith | Levine Toilolo | Eric Tomlinson |
| RT | Cameron Fleming | Matt Peart | ||
| RG | Kevin Zeitler | Shane Lemieux | ||
| C | Nick Gates | Spencer Pulley | ||
| LG | Will Hernandez | Shane Lemieux | ||
| LT | Andrew Thomas | Jackson Barton | ||
| RB | Saquon Barkley | Dion Lewis | Wayne Gallman Jr. | |
| WR | Golden Tate III | Damion Ratley | ||
| WR | Darius Slayton | C.J. Board | ||
| FB | Eli Penny | |||
| QB | Daniel Jones | Colt McCoy |
BASE DEFENSE
| Position | Player | Player | Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLB | Lorenzo Carter | Markus Golden | Carter Coughlin |
| DE | Dexter Lawrence II | RJ McIntosh | |
| MLB | Blake Martinez | Tae Crowder | |
| NT | Dalvin Tomlinson | Austin Johnson | |
| WIL | Devante Downs | TJ Brunson | |
| DT | Leonard Williams | B.J. Hill | |
| OLB | Oshane Ximines | Kyler Fackrell | Cam Brown |
| LCB | James Bradberry | Darnay Holmes | Brandon Williams |
| SS | Jabrill Peppers | Nate Ebner | |
| FS | Julian Love | Logan Ryan | Adrian Colbert |
| RCB | Corey Ballentine | Isaac Yiadom |
SPECIALISTS
| Position | Player | Player | Player | Player |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS | Casey Kreiter | |||
| H | Riley Dixon | |||
| P | Riley Dixon | |||
| PR | Golden Tate III | Jabrill Peppers | Sterling Shepard | Darius Slayton |
| KOR | Darnay Holmes | Darius Slayton | Corey Ballentine | C.J. Board, Dion Lewis |
| K | Graham Gano |
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