The Giants have had issues at times this season with converting field goals, covering kickoffs and generating returns.
But they haven’t had a kick blocked yet.
Here come the Steelers — who have blocked kicks in three straight games for the third-longest streak in the NFL since 2007 — to put on the pressure Monday.
“No. 1, they’re coached up really well,” Giants special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial said. “And their players play the game the right way. They’re very fundamentally sound. They play together. They play with purpose. Tremendous challenge for us this week.”
The Giants blocked a last-minute field goal to clinch a win against the Seahawks earlier this season, so they don’t need any reminders on the devastating momentum swings that such a play creates.
“It’s developed into a culture,” Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith said. “We’re on a roll right now. That breeds success, too, because of that confidence, so we’re headed in a good direction.”
CBs Cor’Dale Flott (groin) and Tre Hawkins (ankle) and DT Dexter Lawrence (hip) were upgraded to limited participants in Friday’s practice.
OLB Brian Burns (groin/Achilles) was downgraded and did not practice after he was limited Thursday.
RT Jermaine Eluemunor (hip), P Jamie Gillan (left hamstring), CB Adoree’ Jackson (neck) and LB Ty Summers (ankle) also sat out.
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles) was a full participant for the first time during the week, which concludes Saturday with one more practice.
Even though QB Russell Wilson is starting, the Giants will prepare to see Justin Fields as a runner.
Fields started the Steelers’ first six games and rushed for 231 yards and five touchdowns.
“I think you always have to be ready for that,” defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said. “It’s an easy, ‘Hey, let’s go in and do these few things that you’ve been doing for five, six weeks already.’ ”
Bowen and Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith overlapped as Titans assistants earlier in their careers.
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