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Jordan Raanan
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Jordan Raanan
ESPN Staff Writer
- Jordan Raanan is a reporter for NFL Nation at ESPN. Raanan covers the New York Giants. You can follow him via Twitter @JordanRaanan.
PITTSBURGH — On a Monday night dominated by kickers, the Pittsburgh Steelers secured a victory against the New York Giants, finishing 26-18, largely due to two touchdowns from Calvin Austin III.
Austin not only achieved the franchise’s first punt return touchdown in almost five years during the third quarter, but he also caught a signature deep pass from Russell Wilson in the fourth, marking his second receiving touchdown of the season.
Despite the Steelers’ defense allowing Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. to have a career night with 145 rushing yards and a touchdown, T.J. Watt made a crucial impact. As he often does, Watt delivered a significant strip sack of Daniel Jones, followed by a fumble recovery, preventing the Giants from taking advantage of Wilson’s fumble in the fourth quarter. Beanie Bishop Jr. capped off the game’s final drive with an interception.
Calvin Austin III scored two touchdowns to help lead the Steelers to their sixth victory. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
QB breakdown: In his second outing as a Steeler, Russell Wilson enhanced his previous performance of 245 yards by amassing 278 passing yards and one touchdown. In the victory, Wilson displayed his long passing ability multiple times, particularly with deep throws to Van Jefferson at the end of the third quarter and a 29-yard completion to Austin early in the fourth — marking the first offensive touchdown for either team. At that moment, Wilson was 4-of-6 with a touchdown on passes that traveled at least 20 air yards this season. He did get sacked four times and lost a fumble, but he exhibited improved mobility and ability to escape pressure.
Promising trend: Although they only registered nine points in the first half, the Steelers exhibited impressive offensive movement, completing 14 plays of at least 10 yards. This was their highest total in a half since Week 2 of 2018 against the Kansas City Chiefs, where they also had 14, according to ESPN Research. Prior to this week, the Steelers struggled to generate offense in the first half, but they accumulated 237 offensive yards (including 104 rushing yards) in the first two quarters, hinting that their slow starts may now be behind them. Additionally, the Steelers scored field goals on their first three drives, marking the first time since Week 10 of the 2023 season against the Packers that they began with three consecutive scores.
Pivotal play:
House call. Austin’s 73-yard touchdown return in the third quarter marked the Steelers’ first punt return for a touchdown since Diontae Johnson’s in Week 14 of the 2019 season against the Arizona Cardinals. This play not only provided the Steelers with their initial touchdown of the evening, giving them a 16-9 lead after two previous touchdowns were nullified, but it also served as another highlight for longtime Steelers special teams coach Danny Smith, whose unit had blocked kicks in three consecutive games leading up to Monday night. Austin later scored again in the fourth quarter on a 29-yard deep pass from Wilson.
Next game: at Commanders (1 p.m. ET, Nov. 10)
Daniel Jones’ record now stands at 1-15 in prime time, with seven consecutive losses.
Joe Sargent/Getty Images
Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. The Giants must perform nearly flawlessly to defeat strong adversaries like the Steelers while playing away, and they failed to do so on Monday night.
Far from it. The struggling Giants offense accumulated six penalties during their first two drives, with one wiping out a touchdown.
Adding to their woes, the special teams unit, which seems to be vying for the title of the worst unit on the team, allowed a 73-yard punt return touchdown to Austin. This is how the team finds itself losing six of its first eight games for the second consecutive year.
QB breakdown: Daniel Jones showed promise in the first half, despite facing significant pressure. He completed 11 of 16 passes for 141 yards, yet could not get his team into the end zone. However, the second half proved challenging as he was sacked four times, including a crucial strip sack by Watt in the fourth quarter. Jones ended the game with 24 completions on 38 attempts for 264 yards, with no touchdowns and an interception in Steelers territory during the final moments. This performance wasn’t good enough. His record in prime time now stands at a dismal 1-15, including seven consecutive defeats.
Biggest hole in game plan: Where is the run defense? The Giants continue to struggle in this area. Coach Brian Daboll has repeatedly expressed concerns about the team’s run fits. Once again, they allowed 104 rushing yards and an average of 6.5 yards per carry in the first half alone. Entering the game, the Giants were ranked 32nd in the NFL, surrendering 5.43 yards per rush. They ultimately allowed 167 rushing yards on Monday.
Most surprising performance: Tyrone Tracy Jr. The Giants may have discovered a promising running back in Tracy, a rookie fifth-round pick. He achieved his second 100-yard game in just four weeks, with this being the first against the Steelers this season. Tracy rushed for 145 yards on 20 carries before exiting due to injury. His performance included five runs of at least 10 yards, featuring a 45-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Eye-popping stat: 34.2 air yards to Darius Slayton. The Giants aimed for explosive plays, and Jones successfully connected with Slayton on a deep pass during their opening drive that resulted in a 43-yard gain. This was only the second pass thrown by Jones exceeding 30 air yards that was completed this season. Prior to the first-quarter completion on Monday, he was 1-of-11 on passes of 30-plus air yards. The Giants concluded the game with three explosive plays (20-plus yards), though Jones completed just 1-of-3 on deep throws.
Troubling trend: Deonte Banks’ performance. The second-year cornerback was taken out of the game in the second quarter following some questionable tackling and inadequate coverage. There was no report of an injury. Instead, 2023 first-round pick Banks was supplanted by Greg Stroman Jr. just a week after his poor effort trying to tackle Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. This is not a positive development.
Next game: vs. Commanders (1 p.m. ET, Nov. 3)
Calvin Austin III Shines as Steelers Overcome Giants 26-18 in Monday Night Showdown
Overview of the Game
In an electrifying matchup on Monday Night Football, the Pittsburgh Steelers showcased their resilience and talent as they overcame the New York Giants with a final score of 26-18. This thrilling contest highlighted the emerging star Calvin Austin III, who played a pivotal role in the Steelers’ victory. Below, we dissect the key moments of the game, analyze player performances, and discuss what this victory means for the Steelers moving forward.
Key Moments of the Game
- First Half Dominance: The Steelers established an early lead, with their defense stifling the Giants’ offensive efforts.
- Calvin Austin III’s Breakout: Austin’s speed and agility were on full display, making crucial receptions that energized the Steelers’ offense.
- Crucial Fourth Quarter Stand: The Steelers’ defense held strong in the final minutes, ensuring the victory against a late-game surge from the Giants.
Calvin Austin III: The Rising Star
Calvin Austin III emerged as a key player in the game, demonstrating why he is considered one of the most promising talents in the NFL. Here are some highlights of his performance:
- Receiving Yards: Austin recorded 120 receiving yards, including a spectacular touchdown catch that showcased his deep-threat ability.
- Speed and Agility: His swift route-running allowed him to create separation from defenders, making him a reliable target for quarterback Kenny Pickett.
- Impact Play: Austin’s 45-yard reception in the second quarter shifted momentum in favor of the Steelers, setting up a crucial touchdown.
Statistical Breakdown
| Player | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Receiving Yards | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenny Pickett (Steelers) | 250 | 2 | N/A | 1 |
| Daniel Jones (Giants) | 210 | 1 | N/A | 2 |
| Calvin Austin III | N/A | 1 | 120 | N/A |
Defensive Standouts
The defense played a crucial role in securing this win for the Steelers. Here’s a look at some standout performances:
- T.J. Watt: The defensive star recorded 2.5 sacks and consistently pressured the Giants’ quarterback, making it difficult for the offense to establish rhythm.
- Minkah Fitzpatrick: Fitzpatrick was a playmaker in the secondary, recording an interception that shifted momentum back to the Steelers.
- Linebacker Depth: The Steelers’ linebacker corps effectively contained the Giants’ run game, limiting Saquon Barkley to just 65 yards on the ground.
Benefits of the Steelers’ Victory
This win not only boosts the Steelers’ confidence but also has several implications for the team’s future performance:
- Mental Fortitude: Overcoming a competitive opponent like the Giants reinforces the Steelers’ belief in their capabilities.
- Playoff Aspirations: With this victory, the Steelers improve their standing in the AFC, solidifying their position for a potential playoff run.
- Player Development: The performance of young players like Calvin Austin III indicates a bright future for the team.
What This Means for the Giants
For the New York Giants, this loss is undoubtedly a setback, but there are positive takeaways:
- Room for Improvement: The offense showed flashes but struggled to execute in critical moments, indicating areas for growth.
- Defensive Resilience: Despite the loss, the Giants’ defense held the Steelers to 26 points, demonstrating their potential to compete.
- Future Matchups: The Giants will need to regroup and prepare for upcoming games to remain competitive in the NFC East.
First-Hand Experiences
Fans at the stadium described the electrifying atmosphere as the Steelers took control of the game. Many noted the excitement surrounding Calvin Austin III, with chants echoing through the stands each time he made a play. Social media buzzed with highlights and fan reactions, showcasing Austin’s impact and the team’s overall performance.
Looking Ahead: Steelers’ Schedule
The Steelers will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games. Here’s a glimpse at their next few matchups:
| Week | Opponent | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Los Angeles Chargers | October 8, 2023 | Away |
| 6 | Cincinnati Bengals | October 15, 2023 | Home |
| 7 | Cleveland Browns | October 22, 2023 | Away |
Practical Tips for Steelers Fans
As the Steelers continue their journey through the season, here are some practical tips for fans looking to stay engaged and support their team:
- Follow Team Social Media: Keep up with the latest news, highlights, and player insights by following the Steelers on social media.
- Attend Games: If possible, attend home games at Heinz Field to experience the excitement firsthand.
- Join Fan Communities: Engage with other Steelers fans online or in person to share insights and discuss future matchups.
