Giants vs. Steelers: Three key matchups

The New York Giants (6-2) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) Sunday at MetLife Stadium in a game that pits two historic franchises, as well as two quarterbacks whose careers will always be intertwined. Let's look at three key matchups for the Giants on Sunday.

1. Eli vs. Big Ben: We have to put this on the table. Both drafted in 2004, one is a Giant and one could have been. Both have two Super Bowl titles. Their careers will always be intertwined, and which one is considered better is a question that really can't be answered until their playing days are done.

2. Giants' secondary vs. Pittsburgh receivers: It sounds like safety Kenny Phillips is ready to return. How will the Giants use him? The Giants have said we will see some three-safety packages with Phillips, Antrel Rolle and Stevie Brown. Can the Giants, who have given up 41 passing plays of 20 yards or more (31st in the league), tighten up their coverage?

3. Chase vs. Herz: Middle linebacker Chase Blackburn, a player many would like to see replaces in the Giants' defense, seems unlikely to play. Mark Herzlich will start if Blackburn can't. Maybe we will have more of an idea after Sunday about just how important Blackburn is, or isn't, to the defense.