New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats

The New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats in a thrilling Monday Night Football clash on October 28, 2024, at Acrisure Stadium. The final score of 26-18 in favor of the Steelers showcased a game filled with standout performances, critical plays, and moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re a die-hard Giants fan, a Steelers supporter, or just a football enthusiast, this article dives deep into the player stats, key moments, and what made this game so exciting. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to read and understand for all ages, with a focus on the numbers that tell the story of this matchup.

Game Overview: A Hard-Fought Battle

The Pittsburgh Steelers improved their record to 6-2, staying atop the AFC North, while the New York Giants fell to 2-6, landing in the cellar of the NFC East. The game was a tale of two teams with different strengths: the Steelers leaned on a balanced offense led by quarterback Russell Wilson and a stout defense, while the Giants relied on their rookie sensations and a resilient effort despite offensive struggles. Both teams showed grit, but key plays, including a punt return touchdown and a late interception, sealed the deal for Pittsburgh. Let’s take a closer look at the stats that defined the game, starting with the quarterbacks.

Quarterback Performances: Wilson Shines, Jones Struggles Late

Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Russell Wilson, in his second start for the Steelers, showed why he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Completing 20 of his 28 passes (71.4%) for 278 yards, Wilson threw one touchdown and had no interceptions, though he did lose a fumble. His connection with wide receiver George Pickens was electric, and he consistently found ways to move the ball downfield. Wilson’s ability to stay composed under pressure, especially against a Giants defense featuring standout nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, was a game-changer. His 278 passing yards included several big plays, and his lone touchdown pass went to Calvin Austin III, who proved to be a spark plug for Pittsburgh.

Wilson’s performance wasn’t flawless, though. A fumble in the third quarter gave the Giants a chance to claw back into the game, but his overall command of the offense was evident. His 9.9 yards per attempt highlighted his willingness to push the ball downfield, a stark contrast to the Giants’ more conservative approach.

Daniel Jones (New York Giants)

On the other side, Daniel Jones kept the Giants competitive but couldn’t deliver in crunch time. He completed 24 of 38 passes (63.2%) for 264 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception that sealed the game for Pittsburgh. Jones also contributed 17 rushing yards on three carries, showing his mobility, but a critical strip-sack by Steelers’ star edge rusher T.J. Watt in the fourth quarter was a turning point. The interception, thrown to Beanie Bishop Jr., ended any hopes of a Giants comeback.

Jones targeted his top receivers frequently, with rookie Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton being his go-to options. However, penalties, including an illegal shift that negated a potential touchdown pass to Chris Manhertz, hurt the Giants’ chances. Jones took responsibility for the strip-sack, admitting post-game that he held onto the ball too long. Despite the loss, his 264 passing yards showed he could move the ball, but the lack of touchdowns underscored the Giants’ offensive struggles.

Running Backs: Tracy Jr Steals the Show

Najee Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Najee Harris continued his strong 2024 campaign with another impressive outing. He carried the ball 19 times for 114 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry. Harris didn’t find the end zone, but his ability to churn out yards kept the Giants’ defense on its heels and helped Pittsburgh control the clock (32:03 time of possession compared to the Giants’ 27:57). His physical running style complemented Wilson’s passing game, giving the Steelers a balanced attack that racked up 401 total yards.

Harris’s performance was especially notable in the second half, where Pittsburgh’s offense found its rhythm. His 114 yards were a key reason the Steelers outrushed the Giants by 37 yards, despite New York’s strong running game.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. (New York Giants)

The surprise star of the game was Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., who had a breakout performance. Tracy carried the ball 20 times for 145 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown run that gave the Giants their only touchdown of the night. His 7.3 yards per carry were a bright spot for New York, especially considering their offensive line faced challenges against Pittsburgh’s elite front seven. Tracy’s ability to break tackles and find gaps showed why he’s becoming a fan favorite and a key piece of the Giants’ future.

Despite Tracy’s heroics, the Giants’ running game couldn’t overcome their passing game’s inefficiencies and the turnovers that cost them crucial possessions. Tracy’s performance was a silver lining in an otherwise tough night for New York.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Big Plays and Missed Opportunities

George Pickens (Pittsburgh Steelers)

George Pickens continued to prove he’s a rising star, catching four passes for 74 yards. While he didn’t score, two potential touchdown receptions were wiped out—one by a penalty and another by a replay review. Wilson targeted Pickens frequently, especially on downfield throws, and their chemistry was evident. Pickens’s ability to stretch the field opened up opportunities for other receivers, like Van Jefferson, who chipped in with four catches for 62 yards.

Calvin Austin III (Pittsburgh Steelers)

The game’s biggest playmaker was Calvin Austin III, who had a massive impact despite only two catches for 54 yards. His 29-yard touchdown reception from Wilson was a highlight, but his 73-yard punt return touchdown in the third quarter shifted the game’s momentum. Austin’s speed and elusiveness made him a dual threat, and his contributions on special teams were a key reason Pittsburgh pulled away.

Malik Nabers (New York Giants)

Rookie sensation Malik Nabers led the Giants’ receiving corps with seven catches for 72 yards. He was targeted heavily by Jones, but penalties and a missed touchdown catch (where he couldn’t get both feet in bounds) limited his impact. Nabers faced tough coverage from Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., but his ability to get open consistently showed why he’s a cornerstone of the Giants’ offense. His 72 yards were a team high, and his performance underlined his potential as a future star.

Darius Slayton (New York Giants)

Darius Slayton was another bright spot, catching four passes for 108 yards, including a 43-yard reception that tied for the longest play of the Giants’ season. Slayton’s big-play ability kept drives alive, but the Giants couldn’t capitalize on his production with points, settling for field goals on multiple drives.

Defensive Standouts: Sacks, Tackles, and Turnovers

T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers)

No discussion of this game is complete without mentioning T.J. Watt, the Steelers’ all-world edge rusher. Watt’s strip-sack on Daniel Jones in the fourth quarter was a game-changer, forcing a fumble that Pittsburgh recovered. He finished with two tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble, but his presence disrupted the Giants’ offense all night. Watt’s ability to exploit one-on-one matchups, particularly against right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, was a key factor in Pittsburgh’s defensive success.

Azeez Ojulari (New York Giants)

On the Giants’ side, edge rusher Azeez Ojulari stepped up in the absence of Kayvon Thibodeaux. Ojulari recorded two sacks, including a four-yard loss on Russell Wilson, and finished with five tackles. His recent hot streak (four sacks in three games) has boosted his trade value, but his performance showed he’s a vital part of New York’s defense. Ojulari’s pressure kept the Steelers’ offense in check early, though Pittsburgh’s adjustments in the second half limited his impact.

Dexter Lawrence (New York Giants)

Nose tackle Dexter Lawrence lived up to his billing as one of the NFL’s best defensive players. While his stat line (three tackles) doesn’t jump off the page, his ability to clog running lanes and draw double teams opened opportunities for teammates like Ojulari. Lawrence’s presence was felt, but the Steelers’ balanced attack and quick passing game neutralized him at times.

Beanie Bishop Jr. (Pittsburgh Steelers)

The game-sealing play came from rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr., who intercepted Daniel Jones late in the fourth quarter. Bishop’s interception, along with his three tackles, highlighted his growing role in Pittsburgh’s secondary. The Steelers’ defense, which leads the league with a +9 turnover differential, relied on Bishop’s clutch play to close out the game.

Special Teams: The Difference-Maker

Special teams played a massive role in the outcome, with Calvin Austin III’s 73-yard punt return touchdown giving the Steelers a lead they never relinquished. Pittsburgh’s special teams unit was disciplined, avoiding costly penalties, while the Giants struggled with miscues, including a failed two-point conversion attempt that drew criticism for its execution.

Kicker Chris Boswell was perfect for the Steelers, going 4-for-4 on field goals, including a 27-yarder and a 31-yarder that helped keep Pittsburgh ahead. For the Giants, Greg Joseph also went 4-for-4 on field goals, with a long of 44 yards, but the lack of touchdowns meant his contributions weren’t enough.

Team Stats: A Closer Look

Here’s a quick snapshot of the team stats to give you a sense of how the game unfolded:

• Total Yards: Steelers 401, Giants 364

• Passing Yards: Steelers 278, Giants 264

• Rushing Yards: Steelers 123, Giants 100

• Time of Possession: Steelers 32:03, Giants 27:57

• Turnovers: Steelers 1 (fumble), Giants 2 (fumble, interception)

• Penalties: Steelers 6 for 45 yards, Giants 5 for 35 yards

• Third-Down Conversions: Steelers 5/12 (41.7%), Giants 4/11 (36.4%)

The Steelers’ edge in total yards and time of possession reflects their ability to sustain drives and keep the Giants’ offense off the field. The turnover differential (+1 for Pittsburgh) was a deciding factor, with Watt’s strip-sack and Bishop’s interception proving costly for New York.

Key Moments That Shaped the Game

1. Calvin Austin III’s Punt Return TD: The 73-yard score in the third quarter gave the Steelers a 16-9 lead and shifted momentum.

2. T.J. Watt’s Strip-Sack: Watt’s sack on Jones in the fourth quarter led to a fumble recovery, halting a potential Giants scoring drive.

3. Beanie Bishop Jr.’s Interception: The rookie’s pick sealed the game, preventing a late Giants comeback.

4. Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s 45-Yard TD Run: The Giants’ lone touchdown kept them in the game, but they couldn’t build on it.

5. Negated Touchdowns: Both teams had touchdowns wiped out by penalties, including an illegal shift by the Giants and a face-mask penalty by the Steelers.

What This Means for New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats Both Teams

For the Steelers, the win solidifies their position as AFC North leaders. Russell Wilson’s strong play, combined with Najee Harris’s consistent running and a defense that forces turnovers, makes them a playoff contender. Calvin Austin III’s emergence as a special teams weapon adds another dimension to their game.

For the Giants, the loss highlights ongoing offensive struggles. Despite bright spots like Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Malik Nabers, the team’s inability to score touchdowns (only one in their last two games combined) and protect Daniel Jones in key moments is a concern. With a 2-6 record, trade rumors surrounding players like Azeez Ojulari and Darius Slayton are heating up as the Giants look toward the future.

New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats Table

Here’s a clear and easy-to-read table summarizing the key player stats from the game:

Player	Team	Stats
Russell Wilson (QB)	Steelers	20/28, 278 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 1 fumble lost
Daniel Jones (QB)	Giants	24/38, 264 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, 17 rushing yards
Najee Harris (RB)	Steelers	19 carries, 114 yards, 6.0 avg
Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB)	Giants	20 carries, 145 yards, 1 TD, 7.3 avg
George Pickens (WR)	Steelers	4 catches, 74 yards
Calvin Austin III (WR)	Steelers	2 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD, 73-yard punt return TD
Malik Nabers (WR)	Giants	7 catches, 72 yards
Darius Slayton (WR)	Giants	4 catches, 108 yards
T.J. Watt (LB)	Steelers	2 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
Azeez Ojulari (LB)	Giants	5 tackles, 2 sacks
Beanie Bishop Jr. (CB)	Steelers	3 tackles, 1 INT
Dexter Lawrence (NT)	Giants	3 tackles
Chris Boswell (K)	Steelers	4/4 FG, long of 31 yards
Greg Joseph (K)	Giants	4/4 FG, long of 44 yards

Why This Game Matters for Fans

This matchup was more than just a regular-season game. For Steelers fans, it was a chance to see their team solidify its playoff contender status with a balanced attack and a defense that delivers in clutch moments. For Giants fans, it was a frustrating reminder of what could have been, with standout performances from young players like Tracy and Nabers offering hope for the future. The game also highlighted the importance of special teams and turnovers, which can swing a game in an instant.

Looking Ahead

The Steelers will look to keep their momentum going as they face tougher AFC North competition, while the Giants face an uphill battle to turn their season around. For fans searching for detailed player stats and game breakdowns, this game serves as a reminder of how individual performances—like Austin’s punt return or Tracy’s touchdown run—can shape the outcome of a close contest.