The New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats on October 28, 2024, was a thrilling Monday Night Football showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats. Played at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, this Week 8 matchup ended with the Steelers securing a 26-18 victory, improving their record to 6-2 and maintaining their lead in the AFC North. The Giants, on the other hand, fell to 2-6, struggling to find their rhythm after a tough stretch of losses. This article breaks down the key player stats, standout performances, and pivotal moments that defined the game, making it easy to read and understand for NFL fans of all ages. Let’s dive into the numbers and stories behind this exciting clash!
Game Overview: A Battle of Momentum
The game started slow, with both teams trading field goals in a first half that ended in a 9-9 tie. The Steelers’ offense moved the ball well but struggled to find the end zone, while the Giants’ defense held firm despite their offensive challenges. The second half, however, brought a burst of energy, thanks to a game-changing play by Pittsburgh’s Calvin Austin III. His 73-yard punt return touchdown sparked the Steelers’ momentum, and they never looked back. The Giants fought hard, with rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. delivering a standout performance, but penalties, turnovers, and a relentless Steelers defense sealed New York’s fate.
Below, we’ll break down the player stats for both teams, highlighting the top performers and key moments that shaped the outcome. Whether you’re a die-hard Giants or Steelers fan or just love football, this breakdown will give you a clear picture of who shone brightest on the field.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Key Player Stats
The Steelers’ victory was fueled by a balanced attack, with strong performances in passing, rushing, and special teams. Let’s take a closer look at the standout players and their stats.
Russell Wilson (Quarterback)
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Passing: 20/28 completions, 278 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions
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Rushing: 3 carries, 3 yards
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Notable Moment: Fumble recovered by Giants’ Bobby Okereke, but redeemed by clutch plays
Russell Wilson, in his second start for Pittsburgh, looked sharp and confident. Completing 20 of 28 passes for 278 yards, he spread the ball to eight different receivers, showcasing his ability to keep the offense dynamic. His lone touchdown pass was a beautiful 29-yard lob to Calvin Austin III in the fourth quarter, which extended Pittsburgh’s lead to 23-15. Wilson’s only blemish was a fumble late in the game, but his defense bailed him out with a crucial stop. His performance solidified his role as the Steelers’ starting quarterback, proving he could unlock the team’s passing game while maintaining efficiency.
Najee Harris (Running Back)
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Rushing: 19 carries, 114 yards, 5.8 yards per carry
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Receiving: 2 receptions, 29 yards
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Notable Moment: Consistent first-half rushing set the tone
Najee Harris continued his hot streak, topping 100 rushing yards for the third straight game—a career first. His 114 yards on 19 carries showed his ability to grind out tough yards against a Giants defense that struggled to stop the run. Harris was particularly effective early, racking up over 80 yards in the first half alone. His physical running style helped control the clock, with Pittsburgh possessing the ball for 32:03 compared to New York’s 31:30. Harris’s performance was a cornerstone of the Steelers’ game plan, keeping the Giants’ defense on its heels.
Calvin Austin III (Wide Receiver/Punt Returner)
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Receiving: 2 receptions, 54 yards, 1 touchdown
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Punt Return: 1 return, 73 yards, 1 touchdown
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Notable Moment: Game-changing 73-yard punt return TD
Calvin Austin III was the spark plug the Steelers needed. His 73-yard punt return touchdown in the third quarter flipped the game’s momentum, energizing the crowd and giving Pittsburgh a 16-9 lead. Later, he hauled in a 29-yard touchdown pass from Wilson, showcasing his speed and playmaking ability. At just 5-foot-9 and 162 pounds, Austin proved that big plays come in small packages. His two touchdowns were the difference-makers in a game that lacked offensive fireworks early on. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin called him a “catalyst,” and it’s easy to see why.
George Pickens (Wide Receiver)
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Receiving: 4 receptions, 74 yards
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Notable Moment: 50-yard catch setting up a field goal
George Pickens continued to build chemistry with Wilson, catching four passes for 74 yards. A 50-yard reception in the fourth quarter set up a crucial Chris Boswell field goal that pushed Pittsburgh’s lead to 26-15. While two potential touchdowns were wiped out (one by penalty, another by replay review), Pickens’ ability to stretch the field opened opportunities for other receivers like Van Jefferson, who had four catches for 62 yards. Pickens’ growing connection with Wilson is a promising sign for Pittsburgh’s passing game.
T.J. Watt (Linebacker)
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Defensive Stats: 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 3 tackles
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Notable Moment: Strip-sack on Daniel Jones late in the game
T.J. Watt delivered in crunch time, as usual. His strip-sack on Giants quarterback Daniel Jones with 3:03 left in the fourth quarter was a game-changer, halting a potential game-tying drive. Watt recovered the fumble himself, showcasing his knack for making big plays when it matters most. His presence was a constant threat, and the Giants’ decision not to double-team him on that crucial play proved costly. Watt’s unique talent, as Tomlin put it, was on full display.
Beanie Bishop Jr. (Cornerback)
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Defensive Stats: 1 interception, 5 yards returned
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Notable Moment: Game-sealing interception
Rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. sealed the victory with a late interception on a high pass from Daniel Jones. This was his third interception of the season, following two against the Jets the previous week. Bishop’s ability to be in the right place at the right time was critical, especially as the Giants were driving with a chance to tie the game. His emergence as a playmaker in Pittsburgh’s secondary is a bright spot for the defense.
Chris Boswell (Kicker)
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Kicking: 4/4 field goals (31, 25, 27, 27 yards)
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Notable Moment: Perfect kicking bailed out stalled drives
Chris Boswell was money, as usual, converting all four field goal attempts. His kicks kept the Steelers in the game during a first half where the offense struggled to score touchdowns. Boswell’s reliability was crucial, especially after penalties and red-zone miscues forced Pittsburgh to settle for three points multiple times. His 27-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter extended the lead to 26-15, providing a critical cushion.
New York Giants: Key Player Stats
The Giants showed flashes of potential but were undone by 11 penalties for 65 yards, four sacks allowed, and two costly turnovers. Here’s how their top performers fared.
Daniel Jones (Quarterback)
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Passing: 24/38 completions, 264 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception
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Rushing: 8 carries, 26 yards
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Notable Moment: Late interception sealed Giants’ fate
Daniel Jones had a solid but unspectacular game, completing 24 of 38 passes for 264 yards. He connected with Darius Slayton for a 43-yard pass in the first quarter and kept the Giants in the game with consistent drives. However, his late interception to Beanie Bishop Jr. with 42 seconds remaining ended any comeback hopes. Jones also lost a fumble on a T.J. Watt strip-sack, a play he took blame for, saying, “That’s my fault.” Despite the loss, Jones showed resilience after being benched the previous week against Philadelphia.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. (Running Back)
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Rushing: 20 carries, 145 yards, 1 touchdown, 7.3 yards per carry
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Receiving: 2 receptions, 25 yards
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Notable Moment: 45-yard touchdown run
Rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. was a bright spot for the Giants, rushing for a season-high 145 yards on 20 carries. His 45-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter pulled New York within eight points at 23-15, giving fans hope for a comeback. Tracy’s explosiveness was a rare highlight for a Giants offense that struggled to find the end zone. His performance against one of the NFL’s top run defenses (Pittsburgh allows just 3.6 yards per rush) was impressive and suggests a promising future.
Darius Slayton (Wide Receiver)
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Receiving: 4 receptions, 108 yards
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Notable Moment: 43-yard catch to set up a field goal
Darius Slayton led the Giants’ receiving corps with four catches for 108 yards, including a 43-yard grab in the first quarter that set up a Greg Joseph field goal. His 36-yard reception late in the first half kept a drive alive, and an 18-yard catch in the fourth quarter helped set up another field goal. Slayton’s big-play ability was crucial, as he accounted for four of the Giants’ six longest plays of the season. His performance made him a potential trade chip as the Giants evaluate their roster.
Malik Nabers (Wide Receiver)
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Receiving: 7 receptions, 72 yards
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Notable Moment: Targeted heavily but negated TD
Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers was a focal point of the Giants’ passing game, hauling in seven catches for 72 yards. An illegal shift penalty wiped out a potential touchdown, and he narrowly missed another score by failing to get both feet in bounds. Nabers was also the target of a failed two-point conversion attempt, where an ill-conceived play design left him vulnerable to Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith. Despite the miscues, Nabers’ high target share shows his importance to the offense.
Azeez Ojulari (Edge Rusher)
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Defensive Stats: 2 sacks, 4 tackles
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Notable Moment: Sacked Russell Wilson in the first half
With Kayvon Thibodeaux sidelined, Azeez Ojulari stepped up, recording two sacks on Russell Wilson. His four sacks in the past three games highlight his emergence as a pass-rushing threat. Ojulari’s performance was a bright spot for a Giants defense that struggled to contain Pittsburgh’s 426 total yards. His stock is rising, making him another potential trade candidate as the Giants look toward the future.
Greg Joseph (Kicker)
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Kicking: 4/4 field goals (29, 39, 44, 48 yards)
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Notable Moment: Kept Giants in the game
Greg Joseph was perfect, making all four field goal attempts, including a 48-yarder that cut Pittsburgh’s lead to 26-18 with 5:06 left. His 10th field goal of the season came in the first quarter to tie the game at 3-3. Joseph’s reliability was critical for a Giants offense that couldn’t find the end zone until Tracy’s touchdown.
Key Moments That Shaped the New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats
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Calvin Austin III’s Punt Return TD: With the game tied at 9-9 in the third quarter, Austin’s 73-yard punt return touchdown shifted momentum to Pittsburgh. It was the first touchdown of the game and ignited the Steelers’ offense.
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Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s 45-Yard TD Run: Tracy’s explosive run in the fourth quarter gave the Giants hope, pulling them within 23-15. However, a failed two-point conversion attempt kept the gap at eight points.
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T.J. Watt’s Strip-Sack: Watt’s sack and fumble recovery on Jones with 3:03 left ended a promising Giants drive, effectively sealing the game.
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Beanie Bishop Jr.’s Interception: Jones’ high pass to Devin Singletary was tipped and intercepted by Bishop with 42 seconds remaining, ensuring Pittsburgh’s victory.
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Penalties Hurt the Giants: New York’s 11 penalties for 65 yards, including an illegal shift that negated a touchdown and a facemask that canceled a Steelers score, disrupted both teams’ rhythm but hurt the Giants more.
New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats Comparison
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Stat |
Steelers |
Giants |
|---|---|---|
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Total Yards |
426 | 394 |
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Passing Yards |
259 | 227 |
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Rushing Yards |
167 | 167 |
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Penalties |
5-45 yards |
11-65 yards |
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Turnovers |
1 | 2 |
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Time of Possession |
32:03 | 31:30 |
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Red Zone Efficiency |
0/4 | 0/2 |
The Steelers outgained the Giants slightly, but both teams struggled in the red zone, relying heavily on field goals. Pittsburgh’s ability to capitalize on special teams and force turnovers made the difference.
What’s Next for New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats Both Teams?
The Steelers (6-2) head into their bye week with confidence, sitting atop the AFC North. They’ll face the Washington Commanders on November 10, looking to build on Wilson’s strong play and Harris’s consistent rushing. The Giants (2-6), meanwhile, return home to face the Commanders, hoping to snap a three-game losing streak. With the season slipping away, New York must address penalties, protect Jones better, and leverage Tracy’s emergence to stay competitive.
Why These New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats Matter
For fans, the New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats tell the story of a game defined by individual brilliance and costly mistakes. Calvin Austin III’s electrifying plays and T.J. Watt’s clutch defense powered Pittsburgh, while Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s breakout performance offered hope for the Giants. These stats highlight the importance of special teams, turnover battles, and discipline in determining NFL outcomes. Whether you’re rooting for the Steelers’ playoff push or hoping for a Giants turnaround, this game was a reminder of why football is so unpredictable and exciting.
Final Thoughts
The October 28, 2024, matchup between the New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats was a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions. Pittsburgh’s balanced attack and opportunistic defense secured a hard-fought win, while New York’s penalties and turnovers underscored their struggles. From Russell Wilson’s efficient passing to Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s explosive runs, the player stats paint a vivid picture of a game full of heart and hustle. As both teams move forward, these performances will shape their strategies and storylines for the rest of the 2024 season.
