The ongoing questions about the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh seem to have quieted down—at least for now.
Russell Wilson’s strong performance, where he accounted for three touchdowns and showed some of his old skills in last week’s win over the Jets, has certainly helped.
Coach Mike Tomlin, who had faced constant inquiries about his quarterbacks while Wilson recovered from a calf injury and backup Justin Fields did well, only received one question about Wilson’s starting role for the Steelers (5-2) as they prepare to host the struggling New York Giants (2-5) on Monday night. Even that question was just for clarification.
“He’s scheduled to take first-team reps,” Tomlin said, smiling and sounding sarcastic, clearly relieved to move on from the topic.
In contrast, the questions about the Giants are getting louder, as they struggle and Daniel Jones doesn’t seem like the player who earned a four-year, $160 million contract just over a year ago.
New York coach Brian Daboll, whose job seems secure for now, is sticking with Jones, believing the problems with the NFL’s 30th-ranked offense run deeper than just the quarterback.
“He’s the starter, and we’ll work on improving the things we need to improve,” Daboll said about Jones.
The Giants will have to tackle this challenge against a Steelers defense led by T.J. Watt, which ranks second in the NFL for takeaways and points allowed. Plus, they’ll have to do it in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers haven’t lost a Monday night game at home since 1991, extending a 21-game winning streak.
“Before many of you were even born, the Steelers have set a high standard on defense, and they’ve kept that up for a long time,” said Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton. “It’s clear that we need to play a tough, physical game for four quarters if we want to beat them.”
This is exactly the type of game the Steelers excel at, especially at home during Monday night games.
One positive aspect of Jones’ struggles at home is that he performs better on the road. He is one of three quarterbacks who have thrown two or more touchdown passes and have a rating over 100 in three road games this season.
