By PAUL SCHWARTZ

Justin Tuck said he really hadn’t thought about it before Thursday, when it was brought to his attention. So much of the New York/New Jersey area has been crippled and adversely affected by Hurricane Sandy that, come Sunday, they will welcome the diversion that the Giants playing the Steelers might bring.

Tuck considered that and liked the thought.

“That is a good point,’’ Tuck said. “I think a lot of people will kind of be lingering on what we do on Sunday, kind of get their minds off the effects of Sandy and hopefully we can oblige.

“We got a very veteran football team that understands that situation. We have been through it with Katrina and New Orleans coming up here, when our owner died, we’ve had some tragedy here and played through it and been successful. Hopefully we can rise to the occasion again this week.’’