The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the New York Giants in Week 8 for their third primetime game of the season on Monday Night Football.
The first half was a story of “almosts,” as two touchdowns were wiped off the board — one a TD catch from George Pickens called back thanks to a facemask from second-year OT Broderick Jones and another Pickens TD that, upon review, was never a complete catch due to a lack of establishment in bounds with two feet inside.
George Pickens never got his left foot down, thats now 2 touchdowns that have been called back pic.twitter.com/5KcXASDtUD
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) October 29, 2024
They entered the second half tied at 9-9, having totaled 13 first downs and 237 total net yards. That marked their season-high mark by a longshot (their previous season-high in 2024 at 198 net yards in Week 2), and their fourth-most first-half yards in the post-Ben Roethlisberger era.
Though the Giants did have the benefit of receiving the ball first in the second half, they were unable to capitalize on it. They punted … then Pittsburgh punted … then, they punted again. This time, the punt went to WR Calvin Austin III, who returned it for a 73-yard touchdown. The extra point is good, and suddenly, the Steelers hold a seven-point lead.
The Steelers forced another punt — this time, not returned for a touchdown — but a play that got the ball back into the hands of Russell Wilson and the offense, no less. They marched down the field and managed a 29-yard touchdown from Wilson to Austin (his second score of the game).
The Giants could have made their way back, too, with just an eight-point deficit on their final drive before a pick from Beanie Bishop Jr. — his third over the past two games — sealed the win for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers are now entering their Week 9 bye with a 6-2 record and a lead in the AFC North thanks to a Baltimore Ravens’ loss Sunday.
Pittsburgh will return from their bye traveling to face the 6-2 Washington Commanders, who happen to lead the NFC East ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles (5-2) and Dallas Cowboys (3-4). Kickoff is set for November 10 at 1 p.m. ET.