Russell Wilson, Steelers hold off late surge by Giants on NFL Monday Night Football: Live updates and reaction
By: Michael Dominski and Lukas Weese
The Pittsburgh Steelers win their third straight game, improving to 6-2 as Russell Wilson shines against the New York Giants on MNF
Steelers hold off Giants, improve to 6-2
Led by stellar play from Russell Wilson, the Pittsburgh Steelers improved to 6-2 and remain atop the AFC North after holding off a late surge by the New York Giants for a 26-18 win on Monday Night Football.
Russell Wilson had another strong game in his second start for Pittsburgh, completing 20 of his 28 passes for 278 yards and a touchdown. Najee Harris had his third straight big game on the ground, taking 19 carries for 114 yards.
Daniel Jones kept the Giants in the game but could not make the big plays when they were needed. He finished 24-38 for 264 yards and an interception. Tyrone Tracy Jr. had a massive game running the football, rushing for 145 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Malik Nabers was targeted 13 times, reeling in seven catches for 71 yards.
What’s next for Steelers?
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At 6-2, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a bye week.
Their next game is Nov. 10, where they take on the Washington Commanders in a road game.
What’s next for Giants?
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The New York Giants host the Washington Commanders next week, looking to snap a three-game losing streak.
Calvin Austin III shines on Monday Night Football
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It’s safe to say the Steelers might not have won this game without the contributions of Calvin Austin III. In the third quarter, with Pittsburgh’s offense stalling, he received a punt at the Steelers 27-yard line, reversed sides of the field and sprinted down the sideline all the way to the end zone for a 73-yard score that heavily shifted the momentum of the game.
Then in the fourth quarter, Wilson found Austin behind the Giants’ secondary for a 29-yard touchdown to extend Pittsburgh’s lead.
Russell Wilson plays well again
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After boosting the Steelers offense in his first start last week, Russell Wilson had another strong performance tonight against the New York Giants finishing the game 20-of-28 for 278 yards and a touchdown. Wilson used his athleticism to maneuver out of several sacks and had the deep ball working as per usual, accurately firing the ball down the field all night.
The lone blemish for Wilson tonight was a fumble on a scramble in the fourth quarter that gave the Giants late life, though Pittsburgh held on for the win.
It appears that Mike Tomlin made the right decision riding with Russ.
Big night for Tyrone Tracy Jr.
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Rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has been a glimmer of hope in a frustrating season for the New York Giants. Tonight he logged his second 100+ rushing yard game of the season, taking 20 carries for 145 yards and a score. For the time being, he appears to have taken over New York’s backfield from veteran Devin Singletary and deservedly so. Tracy has been electrifying.
It is worth noting that he exited in the fourth quarter and went back to the locker room after slamming his head off the turf.
Frustrating day for Giants offense
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Giants quarterback Daniel Jones offered a rare angry outburst after a failed fourth-quarter two-point conversion in which none of the blockers blocked, simply watching Jones throw the ball.
It felt emblematic of the night.
The offense would do something right and then take two steps backward due to miscues and plenty of sloppy, penalty-filled football. Following that play, Jones was visibly upset on the sidelines, flailing his arms at one point in conference with coach Brian Daboll.
Jones was sacked four times, with the offensive line struggling to protect him from TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. Late in the fourth quarter, the defense forced a fumble with game-tying potential, but right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor couldn’t hold off Watt, who forced a fumble of his own.
Jones went 24-for-38 for 264 yards and an interception.
Pittsburgh’s red zone woes
With Russell Wilson at quarterback, the Steelers moved the ball between the 20s more fluidly than they have in some time. Running back Najee Harris picked up yards in chunks and Wilson spread the ball to several targets. However, red zone woes allowed the Giants to hang around.
Four times the Steelers drove inside the 20, including three times in the first half, but they were forced to settle for field goals on all four instances.
Different problems popped up in each series. On the opening drive, a Broderick Jones face mask penalty negated a touchdown pass to Pickens. Later, Pickens looked like he made a fantastic toe-tapping catch, but it was determined he got the same foot down twice. In the second half, the problems persisted as Wilson was sacked on third down to force a fourth field goal.
Wilson’s return from injury has mostly taken the offense to a new level. But they need to find ways to finish drives and clean up miscues.
Second-half Steelers do it again
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While slow starts have plagued the Steelers throughout the season, they’ve also been one of the NFL’s best second-half teams. Through the first seven weeks, they ranked first in scoring defense and second in scoring offense in the final two quarters.
On Monday, a second-half surge propelled the Steelers to victory once again.
After three red zone trips resulted in just three field goals in the first half, the Steelers found a spark from third-year receiver Calvin Austin. With the score tied at 9, Austin showed off his track-caliber speed with a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown.
The following series, Austin scored his second touchdown when quarterback Russell Wilson found him from 29 yards out. While there were some nervous moments down the stretch, those plays helped give the Steelers the necessary cushion to secure victory.
Have a game, Alex Highsmith
Per NFL Next Gen Stats, Alex Highsmith recorded six pressures in under 2.5 seconds, his sixth game over the last three seasons with five-plus quick pressures.
Only Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons (nine each) have more games with five-plus quick pressures since 2022.
Updated NFC East standings
The Athletic
Above is the updated AFC East standings.
The Giants fall to 2-6 after dropping their third straight game to the Steelers.
Updated AFC North standings
The Athletic
Above is the updated AFC North standings.
The Pittsburgh Steelers sit in first place at 6-2 after tonight’s win over the New York Giants.
Final QB comparison
Russell Wilson: 20-of-28 for 278 passing yards and one touchdown
Daniel Jones: 24-of-38 for 264 passing yards and one interception
A frustrating Giants loss
Giants QB Daniel Jones air-mailed a pass over Devin Singletary’s head for an interception. The Giants will drop to 2-6 after a maddeningly frustrating loss.
At 2-6, the Giants are tied with the Saints for the second-worst record in the NFC. Only the Carolina Panthers (1-7) have been worse this season. Giants co-owner John Mara said last week he doesn’t expect to make any significant changes to the leadership of this team, but that could be put to the test if the Giants keep on their current trajectory.
Learn more about Beanie Bishop
Undrafted rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop had two interceptions in a win over the Jets last week, and now he seals a win over the Giants by collecting a tipped pass for his third career interception.
You can learn more about Bishop’s path from FCS to making plays in prime time for the Steelers below in a feature Mike DeFabo wrote this week.
INTERCEPTION: Beanie Bishop seals game
Q4 0:34 Giants 18-26 Steelers
Beanie Bishop had two interceptions against the New York Jets last week.
He now has one against the Giants tonight.
Daniel Jones with a high throw that was tipped. Bishop was there to get the ball, sealing the game for the Steelers with an interception.
Here come the Giants
Q4 1:53 Giants 18-26 Steelers
The Steelers punted to the Giants.
New York will have no timeouts and start at their own 7-yard line.
The Giants need to score and convert a two-point conversion to tie.
TWO MINUTE WARNING: Steelers have fourth down
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Q4 2:00 Giants 18-26 Steelers
The Steelers have fourth-and-2 at the two-minute warning.
No timeouts for the Giants. Pittsburgh leads by eight.
Will Mike Tomlin leave the offense on the field to go for it? Or will Pittsburgh punt to give the Giants a chance to score?
Decisions decisions.
FUMBLE: Watt strip sack on Jones
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Q4 2:59 Giants 18-26 Steelers
The Giants recorded a forced fumble on Russell Wilson.
The Steelers returned the favor, with T.J. Watt punching the ball out of Daniel Jones’ hands.
Costly turnover for New York, who looked poise to score.
Second sack for Watt.
FUMBLE: Russell Wilson coughs up football
Q4 4:34 Giants 18-26 Steelers
Russell Wilson scrambled to get out of the pocket.
But as he ran forward, Bobby Okereke punched the ball out of Wilson’s hands, leading to a Giants fumble recovery.
The Giants take over on offense at the Pittsburgh 37-yard line.
With four and a half minutes to go, the Giants are still alive.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. will be one of the top fantasy waiver picks
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Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s long touchdown run gives him his second game with 20-plus PPR points this year. That will vault him toward the top of the fantasy waiver ranks this week, as Tracy is rostered in only 46.3 percent of ESPN leagues.
FIELD GOAL: Giants down by 1 possession
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Q4 5:06 Giants 18-26 Steelers
Greg Joseph is 4-for-4 on field goals tonight.
The Giants are down by one score.
But Malik Nabers has to catch that ball on his slant route on third down.
Wide open pass that the Giants tight end drops.
Tracy moves Giants into Steelers territory
Q4 6:22 Giants 15-26 Steelers
Tyrone Tracy continues to have a night.
His 17-yard run moves the Giants into Steelers territory.
They need a score on this drive.
Tyrone Tracy is special
The Giants may have someone special on their hands in Tyrone Tracy. Coming into Monday night, Tracy had virtually matched the performance of Devin Singletary (231 to 239, respectively) despite not getting more than five carries until Week 5.
Tracy’s 45-yard touchdown run is the longest rushing play for a Giant since Saquon Barkley’s 68-yard run in the 2022 season opener and the longest Giants touchdown run since December 2019 (Barkley, 68 yards).
FIELD GOAL: Boswell 4-for-4 tonight
Q4 7:15 Giants 15-26 Steelers
The Steelers drive is stalled thanks to an Azeez Ojulari sack of Russell Wilson.
Chris Boswell goes 4-for-4 on field goals tonight.
Steelers lead by 11.
Steelers D giving up big plays
One of the main issues preventing the Steelers from becoming a lockdown defense last year was they allowed too many explosive plays. That problem area looked like it was corrected early in the year. However, that weakness has reared its ugly head again.
Including Tyrone Tracy’s 45-yard rushing TD, the Steelers have given up four plays of 20-plus yards tonight.
Pickens deep catch
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Q4 9:57 Giants 15-23 Steelers
The stellar route running from George Pickens continues.
Russell Wilson throws a perfect pass to Pickens, who catches it for 43 yards.
Steelers in the red zone.
Giants needed that one
Just when it looked like the game was getting away from the Giants, rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. ripped off a 45-yard run on a very well-blocked play by the maligned Giants offensive line and scored a touchdown. Tracy has been something of a revelation for the Giants since wrestling the starting job away from veteran Devin Singletary.
With his 118 yards on 16 carries, Tracy now has two 100-yard rushing performances in his past four games.
The Giants failed to convert on the 2-point conversion, however, and trail 23-15 with 11:07 left in the game.
TOUCHDOWN: Tracy gets Giants back in game
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Q4 11:07 Giants 15-23 Steelers
Tyrone Tracy Jr. gets his second touchdown of the night on a 45-yard run.
A massive touchdown to get the Giants back in the game.
But don’t overlook the critical third-and-16 catch from Malik Nabers, who got the first down to keep the drive alive.
Where to value Calvin Austin in fantasy waivers this week
Calvin Austin’s touchdown pass, when combined with his punt return for a touchdown, gives him 20.4 PPR points. Pittsburgh is on a bye next week, so Austin has no Week 9 value, but how should fantasy managers prioritize him in this week’s waivers?
Since this is only the second time that Austin has posted quality fantasy numbers this year, this game has the look of an anomaly. It’s best to consider Austin as a bench player in very deep leagues and hold out hope that he will continue to develop in a Steelers offense that has one of the best vertical passing games in the league.
Steelers finding success on third down
Calvin Austin III entered Monday night with three total touchdowns in 24 NFL games. He now has two touchdowns tonight.
Including Austin’s 29-yard TD on third-and-8, the Steelers converted three third downs of 8 yards or longer on that drive. One was a 36-yard reception by Van Jefferson, who made a great adjustment to make the grab down the right sideline.
Have a night, Calvin Austin
Have a night Calvin Austin! He becomes the sixth player since 2020 (and the second player in two days, joining Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond) to put up a punt return touchdown and a reception touchdown in the same game.
The second-year reserve wide receiver has also crossed 50 yards for just the third time in his career.
Giants third-quarter analysis
The Giants were in prime position after tying the score at 9 heading into halftime and then receiving the opening kickoff of the second half. But the offense lost the rhythm it had in the first half, mostly due to pass protection breakdowns. The Giants were held scoreless in the third quarter, which shouldn’t have been a surprise since the Steelers haven’t allowed a point in the third quarter this season.
The lone points of the third quarter came on a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown by Calvin Austin to give the Steelers a 16-9 lead. Pittsburgh drove to add another touchdown early in the fourth quarter on a 29-yard TD pass from Russell Wilson to Austin on a slot fade over Dru Phillips.
The Giants secondary, which is playing without benched No. 1 corner Deonte Banks, gave up two long completions on the drive.
Calvin Austin provides Steelers spark
The Steelers needed a spark in the second half and third-year receiver Calvin Austin has provided it. First, he took a punt 73 yards for a touchdown.
Then on the Steelers next possession, he capped the drive with a 29-yard touchdown catch. With the trade deadline looming, there’s been plenty of chatter about the Steelers adding a No. 2 receiver.
While they’ll likely keep shopping, this has been a breakout game for one of their options to fill the role.
TOUCHDOWN: Calvin Austin scores twice
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Q4 13:16 Giants 9-23 Steelers
Calvin Austin got the punt return touchdown in the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, on third-and-8, Austin corrals a catch for 29 yards for the touchdown.
What a game for the Steelers receiver.
Another double-digit point fantasy game for Steelers D/ST
Pittsburgh’s D/ST had four games with 10+ fantasy points heading into Week 8.
The punt return for a touchdown has vaulted the Steelers to another double-digit point day, as Pittsburgh currently has 14.0 points.
AFTER 3Q: Steelers up 7
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Q3 0:00 Giants 9-16 Steelers
The Steelers are up seven heading to the fourth quarter.
But on third-and-11, as the quarter expired, Russell Wilson found Van Jefferson, who made an INCREDIBLE catch for 36 yards.
Pittsburgh is rolling.
Giants three-and-out on offense
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Q3 2:28 Giants 9-16 Steelers
The Giants can’t get going on offense.
A false start penalty leads to a three-and-out as New York is forced to punt.
The Steelers start their next drive from their own 20.
Giants O-line predictably struggling
Stop me when you’ve heard this before: The Giants need a new pass-blocking plan. The loss of left tackle Andrew Thomas to a season-ending injury has proven to be devastating, as the Giants have no good plan to replace him. They signed 33-year-old Chris Hubbard off the 49ers practice squad a couple of weeks ago, and predictably, he’s having a very tough time handling the Steelers’ fearsome pass rush.
Put simply: Hubbard can’t block Alex Highsmith. I’m not sure what the answer is because they need to keep the TE on TJ Watt’s side, but it’s ruining everything the Giants want to accomplish on offense right now.
Another brilliant moment for Steelers special teams
The Steelers special teams have been fantastic this season, blocking several punts, field goals and extra points.
Coordinator Danny Smith had more magic up his sleeve tonight, as Calvin Austin ripped off a 73-yard punt return.
TOUCHDOWN: Calvin Austin scores on punt return
Q3 4:38 Giants 9-16 Steelers
The first touchdown of the game happens on special teams.
Calvin Austin goes 73 yards on the punt return for the touchdown.
An incredible run from the Steelers receiver.
Steelers punt
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Q3 7:35 Giants 9-9 Steelers
The Steelers can’t get much going on offense that drive.
A false start penalty moves the Steelers back on third down, effectively ending the drive.
The Giants take over on their own 26-yard line.
Slayton remains valuable
Darius Slayton is showing how valuable a piece he can be in this game with three receptions for 90 yards.
The veteran receiver is a favorite target of Jones but has been a go-to guy for deep shots. With Malik Nabers limited to two receptions for 15 yards, Slayton is reliable.
Back-to-back sacks on Jones
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Q3 10:49 Giants 9-9 Steelers
The offensive line protection breaks down on Daniel Jones.
T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith record back-to-back sacks on Jones.
The Giants are knocked out of field goal range and punt to the Steelers.
Tracy takes off
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Q3 14:22 Giants 9-9 Steelers
Tyrone Tracy Jr., who was a bit banged up to start the second half, takes off for a 26-yard run.
New York is in Pittsburgh territory for the first time this half.
Second half underway
Q3 15:00 Giants 9-9 Steelers
The second half begins with the Giants getting possession.
Even matchup on Monday Night Football
As we hit halftime, the Steelers and Giants are tied 9-9 in a remarkably balanced game. Each team has kicked three field goals of 44 yards or shorter after struggling in (and just outside of) the red zone. Each team has had a touchdown nullified by penalty.
The quarterbacks? Daniel Jones is 11 of 16 for 141 yards, while Russell Wilson is 12 of 19 for 148 yards. Neither has thrown a touchdown or an interception.
The Giants are averaging 6.5 yards per play to the Steelers’ 6.4, and New York is 2 of 7 on third down to Pittsburgh’s 3 of 7. The Steelers have the advantage on the ground, with 104 rushing yards to the Giants’ 42.
Deonte Banks pulled in first half
One of the bigger questions going into halftime is what’s going on with CB Deonte Banks. He didn’t play a defensive snap after the non George Pickens touchdown. On the play, Banks and safety Jason Pinnock forced Pickens out of bounds. The Pickens touchdown was ruled out of bounds due to both feet being down rather than two different ones. However, it’s what happened after that got interesting. Daboll headed over to the secondary area while Pinnock and Banks appeared to share some words. Banks didn’t go back in for the defense the remainder of the half but was wearing his helmet and standing on sidelines rather than being with trainers.
Halftime betting odds
Pittsburgh retains its betting odds favorite status at halftime, with the Steelers being listed at -2.5 points at BetMGM. The over/under hasn’t moved at all, as it was 37.5 points before the game and is still at that level at halftime.
Disappointing fantasy scoring in first half
Fantasy managers cannot like that this game has zero touchdowns, but there have still been two skill position players with 10-plus PPR points in the first half. Darius Slayton tallied 12.0 PPR points in that stanza and Najee Harris posted 10.5 points.
Outside of those two, there wasn’t much in the way of fantasy scoring. Jaylen Warren posted 6.9 PPR points, Russell Wilson had 5.28 and George Pickens scored 4.5 points. Pat Freiermuth may have been the worst in this area, as he was shut out in the first half.
On the Giants side, Daniel Jones was as subpar as Wilson with only 5.64 points. Malik Nabers had 3.5 points, Tyrone Tracy Jr. 5.0 points, Devin Singletary 2.5 points, and Wan’Dale Robinson 5.0 points.
First-half Steelers stats
The Steelers have 237 yards of offense, including 104 on the ground, but only field goals to show for it.
HALFTIME: Giants-Steelers tied
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Q2 0:00 Giants 9-9 Steelers
Through one half, the Giants and Steelers are tied at nine apiece.
There were 420 total yards of offense combined between the two teams.
Yet no touchdowns were scored.
FIELD GOAL: Greg Joseph ties game
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Q2 0:21 Giants 9-9 Steelers
Greg Joseph kicks his third field goal of the game, a 44-yarder.
Both teams have three field goals each.
Tie game.
Longest play for Giants
That 43-yard reception by Slayton is tied with the longest play of the season for New York, according to Stathead.
Slayton is now responsible for four of the Giants’ six longest plays of the season despite ranking third on the team in targets and receptions.
Massive catch for Slayton
Q2 1:16 Giants 6-9 Steelers
On third-and-8, in New York’s likely final drive of the first half, Daniel Jones finds Darius Slayton for 36 yards.
Massive play to keep the Giants’ drive alive as they try to get points before the half ends.
Dexter Lawrence will be on Bill Belichick’s midseason All-NFL team
Bill Belichick said that Dexter Lawrence has been one of the top defensive players in the league this year and will be on his midseason All-NFL team.
Giants get their first 2 sacks of game
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The Giants registered the first two sacks of the night, with Azeez Ojulari and Brian Burns both getting to Wilson. Given the trenches situation for both these teams, we knew the sacks were going to come at some point.
The defenses for the Giants (seventh) and Steelers (10th) both rank top-ten in ESPN’s pass rush win rate, while their offensive lines rank 19th and 22nd, respectively, in ESPN’s adjusted sack rate.
Giants trade chip on display, Part II
Q2 2:00 Giants 6-9 Steelers
Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, who just sacked Steelers QB Russell Wilson for a four-yard loss, is the team’s other attractive trade chip, alongside the aforementioned Darius Slayton. Dan Duggan wrote today, “Ojulari had been relegated to a reserve role as the third edge rusher behind Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux at the start of the season. But Thibodeaux’s broken wrist has opened an opportunity for Ojulari, 24, to be a starter again, and he has responded with four sacks in the past three games. It’s perfect timing for Ojulari, who is set to hit free agency after the final year of his rookie contract.
“In an ideal world, the Giants would keep Ojulari as a quality third edge rusher. But productive pass rushers get paid, and he’s likely going to be seeking a bigger role in free agency. Still, his trade value could be limited by his injury history and lack of production in recent seasons. But he’s a bargain, costing an acquiring team just $880,000 for the rest of the season.”
Steelers get defensive stop
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Q2 6:45 Giants 6-9 Steelers
The Steelers finally prevent the Giants from getting into Pittsburgh territory.
It is Pittsburgh’s first three and out on defense.
The Steelers start their next offensive drive on their own 18-yard line.
A lot happening in tonight’s game
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We’ve now had five possessions in this game, three for the Steelers and two for the Giants. All five drives have resulted in at least 45 yards gained and have ended with a score — and yet we still don’t have a touchdown tonight.
Each team has had a TD nullified by penalty, and the Steelers had the touchdown to George Pickens overturned with replay assist.
Steelers settling for FGs
The Steelers are averaging 7.9 yards per carry and have easily moved the ball between the 20s. But three times they’ve had drives fizzle in field goal range and two possible George Pickens TDs have been taken off the board — first because of a facemask and later because Pickens got the same foot down twice.
FIELD GOAL: Steelers extend lead
Q2 8:12 Giants 6-9 Steelers
Chris Boswell converts a 27-yard field goal, his third of the night.
But the George Pickens touchdown gets negated and because the Steelers challenged when they weren’t supposed to, it cost them a timeout.
Tough end to that drive for Pittsburgh.
One foot hitting twice doesn’t equal TD
Russell Yurk, ESPN’s officiating analyst makes it pretty clear on this non-George Pickens touchdown. “One foot hitting twice does not count.”
Pickens touchdown gets reversed
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Q2 8:20 Giants 6-6 Steelers
George Pickens thought he had a touchdown.
But a hit by Deonte Banks prevents Pickens’ left foot from stepping in bounds.
The right foot hit twice does not count for two feet in bounds.
Very rare that happens!
Steelers racking up yards
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The Steelers are approaching 200 yards of offense in the first half (currently 196).
They have 10 plays of 10-plus yards.
Can they convert in the red zone?
Jefferson moves Steelers into Giants territory
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Q2 11:53 Giants 6-6 Steelers
Russell Wilson finds Van Jefferson for a 12-yard reception.
It is Jefferson’s second catch of the night.
Pittsburgh is in New York territory for the third consecutive drive.
Giants TD taken off board
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Giants coach Brian Daboll is showing 2023 levels of fire on the sideline. The Giants had a TD taken off the board by an illegal shift penalty on Malik Nabers and then Nabers narrowly missed getting both feet in on a TD catch.
Giants settle for another field goal, but have to feel good about how they’re moving the ball.
FIELD GOAL: Giants tie game
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Q2 12:39 Giants 6-6 Steelers
The Giants tie the game courtesy of a Greg Joseph 39-yard field goal.
But two penalties against the Giants stall their drive.
One of the penalties was an illegal shift that negated a Daniel Jones touchdown pass to Chris Manhertz.
Both teams have a touchdown nullified due to a penalty tonight.
Giants love going for it on fourth down
As much as the Giants have struggled this year, it’s certainly not been for a lack of trying. New York has now attempted the third-most fourth-down conversions (17) and made the third-most (10).
Their 58.3 percent fourth down conversion rate is 13th in the league this season.
Analysis: Giants happy with first quarter
The Giants have to be happy with the first quarter. The Steelers cruised down the field on both of their possessions, but the Giants got stops in the red zone to force two field goals. Still, the Giants will need to show more resistance against the run or it’s going to be a long night.
Offensively, a long-awaited explosive play helped the Giants get on the board. Daniel Jones hit Darius Slayton with a 43-yard bomb to set up a field goal.
The Giants’ longest play in the previous two games had been just 15 yards. The offense remained in a rhythm on their second drive and was driving as the first quarter ended.
Nabers converts fourth down
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Q2 14:20 Giants 3-6 Steelers
It’s the 10th fourth-down conversion for the Giants this season.
Daniel Jones rolls out to his right to find Malik Nabers for five yards.
Drive extended.
AFTER 1Q: Steelers lead
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Q1 0:00 Giants 3-6 Steelers
The Steelers lead by three after the first quarter.
Three field goals are the story early in this one.
The Giants are in Pittsburgh territory and will start the second quarter at the Steelers’ 36-yard line.
Belichick: Porter winning Nabers matchup
Bill Belichick said that Joey Porter Jr. has been dedicated to covering Malik Nabers so far and has taken him out of the game.
This is part of why the Giants have leaned so heavily on screen passes. Belichick also said that Brian Daboll is going to keep calling screen passes to slow down Pittsburgh’s pass rush.
Isaiah Simmons stalls Steelers
Isaiah Simmons, who hadn’t played a defensive snap in either of the two of the previous three games, showed off his athleticism to leap up into the air and tip that third-down Russell Wilson throw to force another field goal.
It looked like Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin may have been open in the end zone. too. Also worth mentioning, it looked like Wilson could have walked into the end zone if he had kept that.
Giants bendddddd but don’t break again.
Darnell Washington happy about QB change
If anyone’s happy about the quarterback change in Pittsburgh, it’s Steelers tight end Darnell Washington. Brought in primarily as a blocking tight end, Washington didn’t have much of an offensive presence until Wilson came along.
In just two games, the Wilson-to-Washington connection has already resulted in a quarter of his career yards (62-of-243) and the longest reception of Washington’s career.
FIELD GOAL: Steelers up 3
Q1 3:05 Giants 3-6 Steelers
The Steelers extend their lead, thanks to a Chris Boswell 25-yard field goal.
The Giants defense comes up with another defensive stop in the red zone.
Russell Wilson is going to want that throw back on second-and-7, where he had a wide open Van Jefferson in the end zone.
Washington picks up 29 yards
Q1 4:53 Steelers 3-3 Giants
Darnell Washington gets involved with the play action.
The Steelers tight end capitalizes on a 29-yard reception.
Pittsburgh once again in Giants territory.
Giants trade chip on display?
Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton just hauled in a 43-yard pass from Daniel Jones to help set up a Giants field goal. Could tonight be Slayton’s last game in a Giants uniform? Earlier today, The Athletic‘s Dan Duggan wrote about the Giants’ trade assets, as they start to look toward the future. Slayton was the first player he mentioned.
“He can still run,” an NFL executive said. “He can run away from man. I think that’s maybe his role. He’s probably a better route runner than that, and I think his hands have improved. What he is, is an NFL receiver.”
Slayton would count only $1.8 million against the cap for an acquiring team, which could make him more attractive than other receivers on the trade block..
FIELD GOAL: Giants tie game
Q1 5:19 Steelers 3-3 Giants
The Giants tie the game thanks to a Greg Joseph 29-yard field goal.
A delay-of-game penalty on third down stalled the Giants after a 43-yard reception from Darius Slayton.
Belichick: Slayton just as much of a problem as Nabers
Bill Belichick opened his ManningCast segment by saying that Darius Slayton is every bit as dangerous on downfield throws as Malik Nabers.
That proved to be correct on New York’s first drive, with Slayton catching a long pass for 43 yards.
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