The New York Giants vs Pittsburgh Steelers matchup on October 28, 2024, was a thrilling NFL game that gave fans a lot to talk about. It ended with a 26–18 win for the Steelers, and the match took place at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. The game had everything—from fast offensive plays to big defensive stops. One of the most exciting parts of the game was the back-and-forth nature of the first half, which ended tied at 9–9. Both teams showed promise, but the Steelers managed to take control in the second half with key plays from their young stars.
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This game was especially important for both teams as it affected their midseason momentum. The Steelers moved up to a 6–2 record, keeping their playoff hopes strong, while the Giants dropped to 2–6, raising concerns for their future games. This matchup also gave fans great performances from names like Calvin Austin III, Russell Wilson, and Tyrone Tracy Jr. The full player stats from this game help break down who stepped up and how the game played out in detail.
Quarterback Performance: Wilson vs. Jones
Quarterback play was a major factor in the outcome of the New York Giants vs Steelers match. For the Steelers, Russell Wilson showed his experience and calm under pressure. He completed 20 out of 28 passes for 278 yards, with 1 touchdown and no interceptions. His passer rating of 114.9 was proof of how well he managed the game. Wilson’s ability to escape pressure and find open receivers kept the offense moving smoothly. He avoided risky throws and consistently helped the Steelers convert on third downs. This level of control and smart play was key in securing the win.
On the other side, Daniel Jones had a decent performance for the Giants, but it wasn’t enough to push his team to a win. He completed 24 of 38 passes for 264 yards but threw one interception and was sacked four times. Jones had trouble when facing the Steelers’ tough pass rush, especially in the second half. While he showed flashes of strong decision-making, those moments were often followed by setbacks such as penalties, drops, or misreads. His stats were solid on paper, but the lack of scoring and crucial mistakes limited the Giants’ offensive potential.
Rushing Leaders: Najee Harris & Tyrone Tracy Jr.
The rushing battle between the two teams was one of the most exciting parts of the New York Giants vs Steelers match player stats. Najee Harris, the lead back for Pittsburgh, was a major force on the ground. He ran for 114 yards on 19 carries, averaging a strong 6.0 yards per carry. Harris consistently broke through tackles and moved the chains. His ability to gain yards after contact made life easier for Russell Wilson and opened up play-action opportunities. With his steady pace and power running, he helped the Steelers dominate time of possession.
For the Giants, Tyrone Tracy Jr. had one of his best performances of the season. The rookie running back had 20 carries for 145 yards, including an explosive 45-yard touchdown run. Tracy’s speed and vision gave the Giants a real boost in the first half, and he helped keep them in the game while the passing attack struggled. His agility made it difficult for defenders to wrap him up, and he showed excellent awareness by following his blockers. Without Tracy’s standout effort, the Giants’ offense would have looked much weaker on the stat sheet.
Receiving Highlights: Slayton, Nabers, and Austin III
In the New York Giants vs Steelers match player stats, receiving performances also stood out. Calvin Austin III made the biggest splash for the Steelers. He caught 3 passes for 54 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown, and also scored on a 73-yard punt return. His speed was a nightmare for the Giants’ secondary. Every time he touched the ball, fans held their breath. His game-changing plays shifted momentum in favor of the Steelers and brought energy to the entire team. Austin proved he’s more than just a return man—he’s becoming a reliable deep threat.
On the Giants’ side, two wideouts stood out. Darius Slayton recorded 4 receptions for 108 yards, including a few long gains that helped stretch the field. He was Daniel Jones’ top target in critical moments and showed great footwork on the sidelines. Malik Nabers, the Giants’ rookie, had a solid game as well with 7 receptions for 72 yards. He ran crisp routes and showed strong hands on contested catches. Both receivers gave glimpses of what the Giants’ passing game could look like when firing on all cylinders, even if it wasn’t enough to win this matchup.
Defensive Standouts & Key Plays
The defenses of both teams had strong moments, and the New York Giants vs Steelers match player stats clearly show who stood out. T.J. Watt was a game-changer for the Steelers. The star linebacker had 2 sacks, one of which was a strip-sack that helped stop a Giants drive in the fourth quarter. Watt’s pressure forced Daniel Jones to rush throws and kept the Giants’ offense uncomfortable all night. Alex Highsmith also had 2 sacks, showing that the Steelers’ pass rush was relentless from both edges.
For the Giants, Bobby Okereke stood out with 14 total tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He flew around the field, plugging running lanes and limiting yards after contact. Azeez Ojulari contributed 2 sacks of his own, showing his strength and speed off the edge. Another major play came from Beanie Bishop Jr., who grabbed a game-sealing interception with less than a minute left. That turnover officially ended the Giants’ comeback hopes and put a bow on the Steelers’ strong defensive effort.
Team Statistics Comparison
Here’s a look at how both teams performed side-by-side in the most important categories:
These stats show just how close the game was in terms of production. The Steelers had a slight edge in both passing and rushing, and they kept penalties to a minimum. The Giants were hurt by turnovers and more penalties, which impacted their ability to finish drives. Pittsburgh also held the ball longer, which allowed them to control the flow of the game.
Game-Changing Moments & Analysis
Several plays shifted the outcome of this game, and they are worth a deeper look. The biggest moment came from Calvin Austin III, whose 73-yard punt return touchdown gave the Steelers a sudden lead and energized the home crowd. Just minutes later, he scored again on a 29-yard touchdown reception, making him responsible for 14 quick points. These plays flipped the script in Pittsburgh’s favor and forced the Giants to play catch-up.
Another turning point came late in the fourth quarter when T.J. Watt forced a fumble on a key Giants drive. That sack not only created a loss of yards but killed momentum for New York. Finally, Beanie Bishop Jr.’s interception with 42 seconds left sealed the deal. While the Giants had strong moments and big plays of their own—like Tracy Jr.’s touchdown run—they lacked the game-changing defensive and special teams moments that defined the Steelers’ win.
What’s Next for Both Teams
For the New York Giants, this loss puts them at a 2–6 record, and their playoff hopes are fading fast. They’ll face the Washington Commanders next, and improving their offensive line protection will be key. The Giants must also clean up penalties and work on better red zone execution if they want to turn their season around. On a positive note, the performances from young players like Tracy Jr. and Nabers give fans something to look forward to.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, now at 6–2, are gaining momentum. Their next game will be against the Baltimore Ravens, a tough divisional rival. They’ll look to continue their balanced offense and strong defensive pressure. If Wilson stays consistent and young stars like Austin keep delivering, the Steelers could be a serious playoff threat. The defense is already among the league’s best, and with fewer injuries, they might go even further.
FAQs – New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats
1. Who was the best player in the Giants vs Steelers game?
Calvin Austin III stood out with a receiving and punt return touchdown. He shifted momentum with two huge plays.
2. How did Russell Wilson perform?
He played a clean game—20 completions, 278 yards, and 1 touchdown with no picks. Very efficient and steady.
3. Did the Giants have any good performances?
Yes, Tyrone Tracy Jr. ran for 145 yards and had a 45-yard touchdown. Darius Slayton also had 108 receiving yards.
4. How did the Steelers win the game?
Key special teams plays, good defense from Watt and Highsmith, and clean offense by Wilson were all big factors.
5. What are the team records after this game?
Steelers moved to 6–2, and the Giants fell to 2–6. The Steelers are strong playoff contenders now.
For fans who enjoy deep stat breakdowns, you might also want to check out our analysis of the New Orleans Pelicans vs Lakers Match Player Stats, where we covered top performers, key plays, and full team stats from that exciting game.
