The Pittsburgh Steelers racked up a season-high 426 yards on offense but still needed a crucial interception late in the game to secure a 26-18 victory over the New York Giants on "Monday Night Football." Rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr.'s pick of Daniel Jones with just 34 seconds remaining sealed the win, extinguishing the Giants' slim hopes of a late comeback.
With this win, the Steelers extend their winning streak to three games, including two in primetime matchups. They now enter their bye week with a 6-2 record, sitting at the top of the AFC North, holding a one-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens.
First Half: Missed Opportunities on Both Sides
In the opening half, both teams had their fair share of chances, but neither could capitalize as expected, despite combining for 410 total yards. Each side experienced setbacks, with both a touchdown negated by penalties and another ruled out of bounds. Ultimately, they traded field goals, leaving more points on the table than either team would have liked.
Steelers Break Through in the Third Quarter
The Steelers finally found the end zone in the third quarter, thanks to a special teams spark. Wide receiver Calvin Austin took a punt return 73 yards for a touchdown, Pittsburgh’s first special teams score since Week 1 of the 2021 season. Shortly after, Austin struck again, this time catching a 29-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Russell Wilson, pushing Pittsburgh’s lead to 23-9.
Giants Respond but Fall Short
The Giants quickly answered with a huge 45-yard touchdown run by rookie Tyrone Tracy. However, a botched two-point conversion attempt out of a tricky formation kept the Steelers’ lead at eight. Both teams then traded field goals, bringing the score to 26-18, before the game turned into a battle of fumbles. Russell Wilson lost the ball on a scramble, but five plays later, Pittsburgh’s star defender T.J. Watt sacked Daniel Jones, forcing and recovering a fumble to protect the Steelers' lead.
Late-Game Heroics Seal the Victory
New York’s defense gave their offense one final shot with under two minutes left in the game. The Giants were driving down the field, but Daniel Jones’ pass intended for Devin Singletary was bobbled and intercepted by Beanie Bishop Jr., putting the game out of reach for New York.
This victory helps Pittsburgh maintain their position atop the AFC North, holding off the Baltimore Ravens (5-3). Russell Wilson, now 2-0 as a starter for Pittsburgh, extended his streak to 20 consecutive games with a touchdown pass.
On the flip side, the Giants now fall to 2-6. Despite showing promise in the running game against one of the league’s top run defenses, penalties, sacks, and critical turnovers ultimately cost New York the chance to turn the game around. They face NFC East leaders, Washington, at home in Week 9.
Conclusion
The Steelers’ ability to capitalize on special teams and defensive plays, combined with clutch performances from players like Calvin Austin and T.J. Watt, secured their spot at the top of the division. While the Giants showed flashes of potential, their struggles in key moments proved too costly to overcome. As both teams look forward to the coming weeks, Pittsburgh will enjoy a bye while New York faces an uphill battle in the NFC East.
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