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5 concerns for potential trap game in Week 8 vs. Giants

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 20: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 20: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Pittsburgh loses more often than not when the game feels ‘trap game proof,’ and that is exactly what their Week 8 matchup feels like. The 5-2 Pittsburgh Steelers consistently play down to opponents that should be blown out, and the 2-5 New York Giants fit this bill. Here are 5 genuine concerns for a Steelers’ trap game in Week 8.

Dexter Lawrence factor

Oct 13, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) in the 3rd quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Oct 13, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) in the 3rd quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

The NFL’s current sack leader, nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, could take advantage of an injured Steelers’ o-line and single-handedly give the Giants the win.

Steelers' weakness to sub-par QBs

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

QB Daniel Jones hasn’t started off 2024 that great, to say the least, but he plays well on the road. Pittsburgh also tends to make lesser QBs look like Tom Brady.

Russell Wilson’s competition is injured

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 13: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks off the field after the Steelers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders, 32-13, at Allegiant Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 13: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks off the field after the Steelers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders, 32-13, at Allegiant Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

After an injury to Justin Fields, Wilson’s competition for the starting QB position, DangeRuss could take a few steps back due to complacency.

Giants hold the advantage in all-time record versus Steelers

New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka talks to reporters before the organized team activities (OTA's) are canceled due to air quality at the Giants training center on Thursday, June 8, 2023.
New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka talks to reporters before the organized team activities (OTA's) are canceled due to air quality at the Giants training center on Thursday, June 8, 2023.

Out of the 78 games the two teams have played, the New York Giants have Pittsburgh’s number, as they’ve won 13 more games than the Steelers.

The 'experts curse'

Aug 14, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin yells at a referee in the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Jacksonville Jaguars won 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin yells at a referee in the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Jacksonville Jaguars won 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

When experts unanimously agree that Pittsburgh should win a game, such as in the Steelers’ Week 4 matchup, the Steel City falls flat and succumbs to the trap game. Experts agree in staggering unison that the Steelers should win in Week 8, much to the dismay of fans.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 5 concerns for potential trap game in Week 8 vs. Giants