The Steelers are staying in a New York state of mind this week as they host the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, a week after playing the Jets.
The Steelers come into the game with a 5-2 record, winning their last two games, while the Giants are 2-5, losing their last two games.
The Giants have fared better on the road than at home this year, with the two wins coming at Cleveland and Seattle, but this is the first time many on the team will play in Pittsburgh.
"From what I've heard, it's an intense football environment, obviously very hostile," said receiver Darius Slayton. "They're very passionate fans over there in Pittsburgh."
In addition to talking about the game atmosphere, the Giants also weighed in on T.J. Watt, Russell Wilson and more.
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Quarterback Daniel Jones on the Steelers defense and playing in Pittsburgh:
"Good defense, tough place to play. Obviously, we've heard about it. But we're focused on us. I think putting so much time and energy into them and what they do. I'm focused on us and playing well as a group together. Getting back to doing a lot of the things we were doing and then improving those from there. Obviously, last week, not a good game. But at points, we've played with the rhythm, executed. We've got to get back to that and that's what we're focused on."
Linebacker Bobby Okereke on what makes playing in Pittsburgh difficult:
"They have a great history, a great culture in that organization, and a lot of pride. Their fans bring it every game. That black and yellow, you really feel it on game day. So, just understand you're going into a hostile environment. Understanding they want to play old school football. Play great defense, run the football, and take care of it. So, we'll have a great challenge ahead of us. Got to create turnovers and got to stop the run."
Okereke on if that type of challenge brings a team together:
"For sure. In a hostile environment, you have that 'Us versus the world,' mentality. Definitely a cohesive group is what's going to get us a win."
Wide receiver Darius Slayton on playing in Pittsburgh:
"From what I've heard, it's an intense football environment, obviously very hostile. They're very passionate fans over there in Pittsburgh.
"That's what I've heard from all accounts and obviously on film their defense is very talented. They have a really good front. They've got talent and youth in the back end. They've got backers that fit aggressive, and I think probably for the past…before even some of y'all were born, the Steelers have lived up to a standard on defense
and they've maintained that for a really long time, and they still hold that true.
"It's obviously going to take a physical four quarter game for us to be able to beat them."
Guard Jon Runyan on what he sees in the Steelers defense and how tough is it to play in Pittsburgh:
"The Steelers I think have probably been one of the best examples of consistency in this league. They've been doing it very well, very solid for so long.
"Their defense hasn't changed in forever and they have the right guys, they have the right culture. They got playmakers all over the defense and that's what they pride themselves on over there in Pittsburgh.
"Everybody knows they got really good ends on both sides and they're big and strong in the interior. They got great support on the backside and linebackers are playing really well right now too.
"Tough, tough defense but it's going to be a great environment Monday night in Pittsburgh. I know Pittsburgh's a huge football city and Monday night, fourth quarter when they start playing their music and the towels start being waved it's going to be an awesome environment. I'm looking forward to it. I'm sure it's going to be really loud. I feel like that's one of the environments that we thrive in. We've played in some tough environments so far already this year and I know the guys are going to be excited and geared up for this one."
Slayton on if the Giants should attack the Steelers in the air because of how strong the defense is against the run:
"Not necessarily. I mean you have run the ball in order to – you can't just go out there and throw the ball every play. Regardless of how bad a team is against the pass or run, you have to do both. You have to be balanced.
"They're a physical unit, they're a good unit. But obviously we've got to attack them on the ground and attack them in the air. Hitting people on the ground helps with the pass game, helps with pass protection and helps linebackers further up which allows for bigger passing lanes.
"So obviously, we're going to have to do a variety things to keep them off balance."
Linebacker Bryan Burns on Russell Wilson and if he's tough to bring down:
"From my experience, I wouldn't say he's necessarily tough to take down. He is hard to find at times, but he does a good job of moving around in the pocket. Sometimes he's a little deep in the pocket, so you can see him, you can find him."
Jones on linebacker T.J. Watt:
"I think you take care of that a lot with your game plan and your scheme going into the game. Obviously, he's a good player and I'll be aware of where he is. As a quarterback, I think my job is to feel the pocket, move in the pocket and get the ball out on time. I can't afford to look at the rush, look at him, or anything like that. So, trust the game plan, trust the scheme, trust the way it's set up and then do my job, execute and get the ball out on time."
Burns on Watt:
"He just finds a way to impact the game in a lot of ways. Super intense, relentless. T.J. is a guy that I watch quite a bit of film on. He does what he does well. I'll say that. He has this one move that people just seem, they can't figure out. He does what he does well."
Runyan on the challenge Watt presents for an offense:
"T.J. mainly plays over the right tackle, but they have shown to move him as one of those floaters in the middle of the defense. He can pick and choose whatever gap or whatever guy he wants to play against. So, that's something that you always have to be ready for.
"But I think going forward, he's one of the premier edge rushers in this league and if you're going to keep only two hands on him the whole game, he might get his.
"But I think our offense and our coaches are going to put in a great plan for him like most teams do when they go against him. Jermaine (Eluemunor) has played against him a couple of times and I know he's really confident going against him and it's going to be a great battle between two great players and I'm excited to watch it."
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