New York Giants v. Steelers: The Matchups

Over the course of the previous four seasons (i.e. 2004-2007) the Steelers had a 14-2 record versus the NFC, including a 4-0 record against the NFC East in 2004. However, in the storied histories of the Steelers and Giants it is New York that holds a significant advantage (29-45-3) in wins and losses. Moreover, in the last five meetings between these two teams the Steelers are 2-3 ~ and that does not take into account Tom Couglin's success against the Steelers when he was the head coach at Jacksonville.

How will Pittsburgh fair against the defending Super Bowl champions this weekend? Here is a look at the numbers:

N.Y. Giants Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: N.Y. Giants offense 3rd (395.0) v. Steelers defense 1st (228.3)

Average net rushing yards per game: N.Y. Giants offense 1st (169.7) v. Steelers defense 2nd (69.7)

Average net passing yards per game: N.Y. Giants offense 12th (225.3) v. Steelers defense 1st (158.7)

Average points per game: N.Y. Giants offense 2nd (28.33) v. Steelers defense 2nd (14.83)

Steelers Offense v. N.Y. Giants Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 24th (298.8) v. N.Y. Giants defense 4th (275.2)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 18th (109.3) v. N.Y. Giants defense 5th (84.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 21st (189.5) v. N.Y. Giants defense 11th (190.7)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 13th (23.5) v. N.Y. Giants defense 6th (16.83)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: N.Y. Giants 14th (10.2) v. Steelers 32nd (4.5)

Average yards allowed per punt return: N.Y. Giants 4th (4.9) v. Steelers 3rd (4.1)

Average yards per kick return: N.Y. Giants 26th (20.2) v. Steelers 26th (20.2)

Average yards allowed per kick return: N.Y. Giants 4th (20.1) v. Steelers 6th (20.4)

Net yardage punting average: N.Y. Giants 10th (39.8) v. Steelers 12th (39.3)

Opponent net yardage punting average: N.Y. Giants 25th (37.6) v. Steelers 31st (41.9)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: N.Y. Giants 16th (+1) v. Steelers 7th (+4)

Time of possession: N.Y. Giants 3rd (32:39) v. Steelers 19th (30:14)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): N.Y. Giants 19th (48.0%) v. Steelers 2nd (70.6%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): N.Y. Giants 2nd (33.3%) v. Steelers 9th (42.9%)

Sacks allowed: N.Y. Giants 3rd (6) v. Steelers 27th (19)

Some Individual Numbers
NFC Passer rating: Eli Manning, 9th (89.1) v. AFC Passer Rating: Ben Roethlisberger, 3rd (98.1)

NFC Leading rushers: Brandon Jacobs, 6th (516 yards) v. AFC Leading Rushers: Willie Parker, 15th (263 yards)
Note: Mewelde Moore is 20th in the AFC in rushing with 238 yards

NFC Leading receivers: Steve Smith, 20th (26 catches, 254 yards, 9.8 per catch, 0 touchdowns) v. AFC Leading Receivers: Hines Ward, 12th (28 catches, 376 yards, 13.4 yards per catch, 5 touchdowns)
Note: Plaxico Burress is 24th in receptions (25) and has five touchdown receptions.

NFC sack leaders: Justin Tuck (DE) & Fred Robbins (DT), 6th (5.0 sacks each) v. AFC sack leaders: James Harrison, 1st (8.5)
Note: LaMarr Woodley is third in the AFC in sacks with 7.5