Shane Bowen, the Giants' defensive coordinator, will face former colleague and close friend Arthur Smith, now the Steelers' offensive coordinator, on Monday night. Both have a history from their time together with the Tennessee Titans, where they shared successful seasons. In the upcoming game, Bowen's main challenge will be countering a potent Steelers offense led by running back Najee Harris and quarterback Russell Wilson, who recently returned from injury. The Giants will also look to improve on their struggling defense, currently ranking 25th and allowing over 138 rushing yards per game.

By the Numbers
  • The Steelers are 5-2, averaging 134.0 rushing yards per game (9th in the NFL).
  • Najee Harris posted consecutive 100-yard rushing games of 106 and 102 yards over the last two weeks.
Yes, But

The Giants' struggles on defense present a significant challenge for Bowen, who must navigate a high-powered Steelers offense while managing injuries among key defensive players. Their performances against recent opponents have highlighted vulnerabilities that need urgent addressing.

State of Play
  • The Giants have lost five of their last seven games, currently sitting at 2-5.
  • They will face off against a Steelers team that recently outscored rivals 69-28 over two games.
What's Next

Moving forward, the Giants need to shore up their run defense and find ways to disrupt the Steelers’ offensive rhythm. The game could be pivotal in determining the momentum for both teams as they seek to establish their identities for the season.

Bottom Line

Bowen's performance in adjusting the Giants' defense against a well-balanced Steelers offense will be critical. Success in containing Harris and pressuring Wilson will not only be key to winning but could also be the turning point for the Giants' remainder of the season.