Opponent Preview: New York Giants face Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 9, Cincinnati Bengals in Week 10
After playing half of the season, New York Giants will have a clear idea as to where the National Football Conference (NFC) East division is going as far as competition is concerned, and how Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, and Dallas Cowboys are performing.
This might help the Giants to introduce changes, if required, to their strategy or starting line-up.
Here are the two teams that, Giants are going to face in week 9 and 10 before heading to their bye week.
Week 9: Pittsburgh Steelers
Led by quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offence thrived brilliantly last year. The Steelers won 12 out of 16 games in the regular season to qualify for the playoffs only to lose against the Denver Broncos in their first postseason game.
That defeat, however, is not going to make them a weak opponent against the Giants, but there is something else that could do that.
Steelers are reportedly facing difficulties adjusting into their new offensive scheme after the arrival of new offensive coach, Todd Haley.
Initially, it was also reported that Big Ben was not getting along well with the coach, but things seem to have settled down a bit.
If Steelers play as a unit they will certainly be a threat to Giants, but if they transform their negative offseason energy into their on-field performance during the season, then Giants could have an upper hand.
Head-to-head
Giants and Steelers have faced each other 75 times. Giants have won 44 games, while Steelers have 28 victories. Three games were tied. Both teams will play one game against each other in the 2012 season.
Week 10: Cincinnati Bengals
Another playoff team from the last season, Cincinnati Bengals, whose quarterback Andy Dalton played his rookie season last year, are capable of giving Giants a tough time.
Many critics believe that Bengals will not be able to reach the playoffs in the 2012 season, but the Giants should not be complacent because there are many other tough teams in the American Football Conference (AFC) North division that could prevent Bengals from reaching the playoffs.
As for Giants, they have to be aggressive offensively as well as steadfast in defence if they want to enter their bye week with a victory.
Head-to-head
Giants and Bengals have played eight games against each other. Giants have won three of them while Bengals are leading with five victories. Both teams have never faced each other in the playoffs.
In the 2012 season, Giants and Bengals are going to play one game against each other.
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