New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats

The New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats have a storied rivalry in the NFL, with their matchups always delivering thrilling moments and standout performances. Their most recent clash on October 28, 2024, was no exception, with the Steelers securing a 26-18 victory over the Giants in a Monday Night Football showdown. This SEO-friendly article dives into the player stats, key performances, and critical moments from this exciting game, presented in a way that’s easy to read and understand for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard football enthusiast or just curious about the numbers, this breakdown will give you a clear picture of how the game unfolded.

Game Overview: Steelers Triumph in a Defensive Battle

The Pittsburgh Steelers improved their record to 6-2, solidifying their position atop the AFC North, while the Giants fell to 2-6, landing in the NFC East cellar. The game was a defensive slugfest for much of the night, with both teams struggling to find the end zone early on. However, pivotal plays in the second half, including a game-changing punt return and clutch offensive performances, tilted the scales in Pittsburgh’s favor. Let’s break down the player stats and highlight the stars who shaped the outcome.

Quarterback Performances: Wilson Shines, Jones Battles

Pittsburgh Steelers: Russell Wilson

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 for a 71.4% completion rate, Wilson racked up 278 passing yards and threw one touchdown. His ability to connect on deep passes and manage the game was evident, though a fumble in the third quarter gave the Giants a brief glimmer of hope. Wilson’s chemistry with his receivers, particularly George Pickens, was a highlight, as he consistently looked downfield to create big plays. Despite two potential touchdown passes to Pickens being nullified—one by a penalty and another by a replay review—Wilson’s poise under pressure kept Pittsburgh’s offense humming. His quarterback rating was impressive, reflecting his efficiency and decision-making in a high-stakes game.

New York Giants: Daniel Jones

On the other side, Daniel Jones kept the Giants competitive but couldn’t deliver when it mattered most. Jones completed 24 of his 38 passes (63.2%) for 264 yards but threw a costly interception that sealed the game for Pittsburgh. He also added two rushing yards on a single carry, showing limited mobility compared to past seasons. Jones faced relentless pressure from the Steelers’ defense, particularly from edge rusher T.J. Watt, who forced a critical strip-sack on a third-down play late in the game. While Jones showed flashes of brilliance, like a 36-yard pass to Darius Slayton, his inability to avoid turnovers and capitalize on opportunities hurt the Giants’ chances. His performance was solid but not enough to overcome Pittsburgh’s defensive prowess.

Running Back Showdown: Harris and Tracy Jr Dominate

Pittsburgh Steelers: Najee Harris

Najee Harris was a workhorse for the Steelers, carrying the ball 19 times for 114 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry. His physical running style wore down the Giants’ defense, which struggled to stop the run, allowing 5.4 yards per rush attempt—the highest in the NFL. Harris didn’t find the end zone, but his ability to gain tough yards and keep the chains moving was crucial in controlling the game’s tempo. Pittsburgh’s 32:03 time of possession compared to New York’s 31:30 was largely thanks to Harris’s grinding runs, which helped the Steelers dictate the pace.

New York Giants: Tyrone Tracy Jr.

For the Giants, rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. was a revelation. He exploded for 145 yards on 20 carries, averaging an impressive 7.3 yards per rush, and scored the team’s only touchdown. Tracy’s breakout performance was a bright spot for New York, especially after being outrushed by 193 yards the previous week against the Philadelphia Eagles. His ability to find gaps and break tackles showcased his potential as a future star. However, the Giants’ inability to sustain drives and protect the ball limited Tracy’s impact in the fourth quarter.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Pickens and Slayton Stand Out

Pittsburgh Steelers: George Pickens and Van Jefferson

George Pickens continued to prove he’s Pittsburgh’s most dynamic offensive weapon. He caught four passes for 74 yards, though two potential touchdowns were wiped out. His connection with Wilson is clearly blossoming, as the veteran quarterback frequently targeted him on deep routes. Pickens’s ability to stretch the field opened opportunities for others, like Van Jefferson, who chipped in with four receptions for 62 yards. Jefferson’s reliable hands and precise route-running complemented Pickens’s big-play ability, giving the Steelers a balanced passing attack.

New York Giants: Darius Slayton and Malik Nabers

Darius Slayton led the Giants’ receiving corps with four catches for 108 yards, including a 43-yard reception that tied for the longest play of the season for New York. His big-play ability kept the Giants in the game, but penalties, like an illegal shift that negated a touchdown pass to Chris Manhertz, stalled their momentum. Rookie sensation Malik Nabers was heavily targeted, drawing a high percentage of Jones’s passes, but faced tight coverage from Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. Nabers finished with five receptions for 67 yards, showing flashes of his potential but struggling to break free consistently. The Giants’ passing game showed promise but was hampered by execution errors and Pittsburgh’s stingy secondary.

Defensive Standouts: Watt and Ojulari Make Their Mark

Pittsburgh Steelers: T.J. Watt and Beanie Bishop Jr.

T.J. Watt was a game-wrecker for the Steelers, recording a strip-sack on Daniel Jones that swung momentum in Pittsburgh’s favor. His ability to exploit one-on-one matchups, particularly against Giants right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, was a difference-maker. Watt finished with one sack and multiple pressures, reinforcing his status as one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers. In the secondary, Beanie Bishop Jr. sealed the game with a crucial interception on Jones’s final pass attempt. Pittsburgh’s defense was relentless, intercepting 3.9% of opponents’ passes this season (third-best in the NFL) and maintaining a plus-9 turnover differential.

New York Giants: Azeez Ojulari and Dexter Lawrence

Azeez Ojulari stepped up in the absence of Kayvon Thibodeaux, recording two sacks on Russell Wilson and continuing his hot streak with four sacks over the past three games. His performance has boosted his trade value, though the Giants may hesitate to move the young edge rusher. Dexter Lawrence, one of the NFL’s best nose tackles, was a force in the trenches, disrupting Pittsburgh’s offensive line and earning praise as a midseason All-NFL candidate. Despite their efforts, the Giants’ defense struggled to stop the run, allowing 104 rushing yards in the first half alone, and their .5% interception rate is among the league’s worst.

Special Teams: Calvin Austin III Steals the Show

The game’s defining moment came from Pittsburgh’s special teams, where Calvin Austin III electrified the crowd with a 73-yard punt return touchdown in the third quarter. Austin also added a receiving touchdown, finishing with two catches for 54 yards. His dual-threat performance was a catalyst for the Steelers, who have leaned on their special teams to make a difference all season. For the Giants, Greg Joseph was perfect on field goals, nailing three from 39, 44, and another distance, but their lack of big plays on special teams put them at a disadvantage.

Key Team Stats: A Tale of Efficiency and Errors

Pittsburgh Steelers

• Total Yards: 400+ (second consecutive game with Wilson starting)

• Rushing Yards: 127.4 per game (11th in the NFL)

• Passing Yards: 212.2 per game (26th in the NFL)

• Turnover Differential: +9 (best in the NFL since 2023)

• Time of Possession: 32:03

• Points Scored: 26 (14 in the second half)

The Steelers’ offense was efficient, with 10 plays of 10-plus yards in the first half alone. Their plus-68 second-half point differential is the best in the NFL, showcasing their ability to close out games. Pittsburgh’s defense also excelled, allowing just 3.6 yards per rush attempt (second-best in the league) and holding the Giants to 18 points.

New York Giants

• Total Yards: 420 combined with Pittsburgh in the first half

• Rushing Yards: 145 (led by Tracy Jr.)

• Passing Yards: 264 (led by Jones)

• Turnover Differential: -2

• Time of Possession: 31:30

• Points Scored: 18 (9 via field goals)

The Giants moved the ball well at times, with Slayton and Tracy Jr. providing big plays, but their offense stalled in critical moments. Penalties, like an illegal shift and a failed two-point conversion, cost them dearly. Their defense struggled against the run, and their low interception rate limited their ability to force turnovers.

Head-to-Head History: A Giants-Dominated Series

The Giants lead the all-time series against the Steelers 44-31-3, dating back to 1933. However, Pittsburgh has won the last three matchups, including this 26-18 victory. The Steelers’ largest win in the series was a 63-7 rout in 1952, while the Giants have historically held the upper hand. In the Super Bowl era, Pittsburgh is 7-4 against New York, showing their recent dominance.

Standout Moments and Turning Points

1. Calvin Austin III’s Punt Return: Austin’s 73-yard touchdown return in the third quarter broke open a tied game and shifted momentum to Pittsburgh.

2. T.J. Watt’s Strip-Sack: Watt’s sack on Jones in a crucial third-down situation led to a fumble, halting a promising Giants drive.

3. Beanie Bishop Jr.’s Interception: Bishop’s pick in the final moments sealed the Steelers’ victory, ending any hopes of a Giants comeback.

4. Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s Breakout Run: Tracy’s 145-yard performance, including a touchdown, kept the Giants in the game despite their offensive struggles.

5. Nullified Touchdowns: Both teams had touchdowns wiped out by penalties, with Pittsburgh losing a Pickens score to a face-mask penalty and the Giants losing a Manhertz score to an illegal shift.

New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats Table: A Quick Reference

Player	Team	Stats
Russell Wilson	Steelers	20/28, 278 yds, 1 TD, 1 fumble
Daniel Jones	Giants	24/38, 264 yds, 1 INT, 1 rush for 2 yds
Najee Harris	Steelers	19 carries, 114 yds, 6.0 avg
Tyrone Tracy Jr.	Giants	20 carries, 145 yds, 7.3 avg, 1 TD
George Pickens	Steelers	4 rec, 74 yds
Darius Slayton	Giants	4 rec, 108 yds
Van Jefferson	Steelers	4 rec, 62 yds
Malik Nabers	Giants	5 rec, 67 yds
T.J. Watt	Steelers	1 sack, 1 forced fumble
Azeez Ojulari	Giants	2 sacks
Beanie Bishop Jr.	Steelers	1 INT
Calvin Austin III	Steelers	2 rec, 54 yds, 1 TD, 73-yd punt return TD
Greg Joseph	Giants	3/3 FG (39, 44, other)

Why This Game Matters

For the Steelers, this win solidified their position as AFC North leaders and showcased the impact of Russell Wilson’s insertion into the starting lineup. His deep passing ability and the emergence of Pickens as a star receiver have transformed Pittsburgh’s offense. Najee Harris’s consistent ground game and a dominant defense led by T.J. Watt make the Steelers a playoff contender.

For the Giants, the loss highlighted ongoing struggles with execution and turnovers. Despite standout performances from Tracy Jr., Slayton, and Ojulari, their inability to protect Jones and capitalize on opportunities underscored their 2-6 record. With the trade deadline looming, players like Ojulari and Slayton could be on the move as the Giants look to build for the future.

Conclusion: A Game of Missed Opportunities and Big Plays

The October 28, 2024, matchup between the New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats was a tale of two teams with contrasting fortunes. Pittsburgh’s efficiency, special teams heroics, and defensive dominance secured a hard-fought 26-18 victory, while the Giants were left to rue missed opportunities and costly mistakes. From Russell Wilson’s pinpoint passing to Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s breakout performance, this game had no shortage of individual brilliance. As both teams move forward, the stats and moments from this game will shape their strategies and narratives for the rest of the 2024 season.