In 2004, Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger were both taken in the first round. For years, the two were compared, along with fellow first rounder Philip Rivers. In their first match up, Eli had his best game of his young career, recording a 103.9 QB rating and passing for 2 TDs. Manning actually outplayed Roethlisberger, but the Giants lost 33-30 when Manning was picked off in the final minutes.

Eli’s rookie year was reviewed harshly by critics; especially since Big Ben lead his team to a Super Bowl title. It wasn’t until Manning matched this feat that the comparisons fell (for the most part) by the wayside. But now the two will take center stage in what some are calling a possible Super Bowl preview (knock on wood…or steel if you’re from Pittsburgh).

1. Use Protection

Only one team has more sacks than the Giants. Guess who. Give up? No? Alright five more seconds…54321…It’s the Steelers. James Harrison Jr. (8.5) and LaMarr Woodley (7.5) are #2 and #4 in the NFL in sacks, respectively. Pittsburgh is allowing the lowest amount of pass yards per game (158.7) by ten yards, so giving Eli and the receivers time is a must.

2. Don’t Get Discouraged

Guess what team is #2 in stopping the run. It’s the Steelers! So if you’re counting along, that would make them #1 against the pass and #2 against the run (and only 2.5 yards per game behind Baltimore). Overall, the Steelers allow only 228.3 yards per game, which is easily the best in the league. You could make the argument that the Steelers have yet to face an offense as good as the Giants, but then again, the Giants have not faced the toughest of defenses either. This is a major test for both teams, and it is important that the Giants don’t get discouraged if things don’t go their way early.

3. Watch Out for Ward

Steelers Wide Receiver Hines Ward is one of the best blocking receivers in the league. Some say he’s also the dirtiest. Last week he made a hard block on Bengals’ rookie Linebacker Keith Rivers. The block was legal, but it left Rivers with a broken jaw, ending his season. Ward has been fined twice this year for unnecessary roughness and has a reputation of being one of the most physical players in the game. He may not be the receiver he once was, but he can still “lay the wood” with any safety in the game. That is to say, I think he would make an excellent carpenter.

4. DON’T FORCE IT TO PLAXICO

If this looks familiar, that’s because it is. I wrote this last week after Eli threw to Plaxico Burress in double coverage on multiple occasions against the Browns. Sunday rolled around, and Manning continued to force it to Plaxico against the 49ers. Bad Eli. Plax is the most talented receiver on the team, but if he’s not open, don’t throw him the ball. Eli has to continue to trust guys like Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon, Amani Toomer and Kevin Boss if Burress is double covered. If he does this, Burress will get open, and will get his share of pass targets. I’m sure Plax would love to stick it to his former team in his return to Heinz Field.

5. Don’t Let Steely Drive You Home

In 2007, the Pittsburgh Steelers introduced Steely McBeam (who bears a striking resemblance to former coach Bill Cowher) as their mascot. Steely represents the Joe Six-Pack/ Joe The Plumber type that characterizes the great blue collar spirit of Pittsburgh. But early this year, one of the actors hired to play Steely McBeam had a little too much Jim McBeam before getting into his car, and was arrested for DUI. The worker was not wearing the McBeam costume when he was pulled over, but because it is a much funnier image, we will remember it that way instead.