When the Steelers were scuffling at times the past few seasons, there was definitely a train of thought that if the team just got league-average quarterback play, it could do some special things.
The past two weeks, Russell Wilson has been even better than just "average."
Much like he did in his first start two weeks ago against the Jets, Wilson's deep passing and play-action prowess in Monday night's 26-18 win over the Giants showed that he has unlocked some things in the Steelers' offense that make them a truly dangerous team moving forward.
Against the Giants, that didn't add up to the 37 points it had two weeks ago against the Jets, but it did provide five scoring drives in nine possessions that did not include the team taking a knee at the end of the half. It did provide enough explosiveness that the Steelers posted a season-high 426 total yards, with Wilson throwing for 278. And that wasn't all passing, as the Steelers posted 167 rushing yards, a big total when you consider Wilson himself accounted for just seven of that on three attempts.
The offense just looks, well, different. The 259 net passing yards were easily the most against the Giants, who entered this game leading the NFL in sacks, this season.
And it starts with the splash plays.
The Steelers had four more explosive passing plays of 20 or more yards against the Giants after posting five such plays against the Jets, giving them nine in the passing game the past two weeks.
"It's a legitimate phase of the game for us," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. "We give it that respect, not only in words but in our approach, in how we work. The guys make it real with their efforts."
Tomlin took some heat last week for the decision to go to Wilson when he was healthy over Justin Fields, who had led the Steelers to a 4-2 start.
But it is apparent it was the right move.
Not only are the splash plays coming in the passing game, but in the running game, as well. The Steelers had six runs of 10 or more yards against the Giants Monday night, including a 26-yards burst from Najee Harris and an 18-yard by Jaylen Warren.
Showing the ability to consistently beat opponents over the top and successfully utilize play-action freezes linebackers and safeties and keeps them from sprinting toward the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball.
"I'm really proud of our running backs, how hard they ran," said Wilson. "It's good to see Naj doing his thing. He's had several weeks in a row that he's been special running the football. That's a testament to our offensive line and the tight ends, what they're doing, (offensive coordinator) Arthur (Smith) scheming it up for him.
"I think Jaylen is going to continue to get hot as we go. He's a hard runner. Those guys can do some really good things."
Thing is, as good as Monday night's game was offensively, it could have been so much better. The Steelers had two George Pickens touchdowns erased, one via penalty on the opening drive, the second when Pickens was ruled not to have gotten two feet down in the end zone – he got the same foot down twice – after a review of what initially had been called a touchdown on the field. In both instances, the Steelers were forced to kick field goals instead of getting touchdowns.
The Steelers finished this game 0-4 in the red zone, settling for Chris Boswell field goals four times from short range.
"The red zone is important. There are little things we need to correct," said wide receiver Van Jefferson. "Obviously that's important. We love Boz, and he's going to get us points, but that's something we can work on, correct it and get better."
If the Steelers had gotten those two touchdowns that were taken off the board, they score at least 34 points and this game is never in question.
"We scored two touchdowns that were beautiful by George and we still overcame it all," said Wilson. "That game would have been really broken out if we had those two.
"I think we've just got to keep finding those moments that really break out those games."
But the plays are there to be made. And that's the encouraging part. The Steelers are consistently moving the ball. They're consistently connecting on plays. If they consistently turn those field goals into touchdowns, this could be a scary team for any opponent to play.
• The Steelers head into their bye at 6-2 and atop the AFC North standings. And no matter what happens next week, they'll come out of the bye still in first place in the division.
And yet they're still not playing what anyone would say is their best football.
There have certainly been flashes of what the ceiling for this team could be. But there's still some misses here and there both offensively and defensively that, if cleaned up, could make the Steelers a legitimate contender.
Then again, at 6-2 and midway through the season, the Steelers have positioned themselves as a legitimate contender. You are, after all, what your record says you are.
Monday night wasn't the best overall game by the defense by a long shot. Allowing 157 rushing yards to the Giants isn't going to sit well with anyone on this defense.
"We just worry about overall outcome," said game-wrecker extraordinaire T.J. Watt. "We can't allow a 48-yard touchdown or whatever it was. But there are things we can correct and get better at each and every week. We're going on the bye and we can't just go on vacation. We need to find a way to get better and sharpen our edge this week and get better."
Defensive tackle Cam Heyward agreed.
"You want the wins, but there's a lot we can improve on," said Heyward. "There's a fine line between winning and losing. We have to clean this up immediately or teams are going to go back to this formula. It's our tape. We own it. Hopefully, we grow from it."
The big issue against the run continues to be when the Steelers go to their nickel defense with five defensive backs on the field. Opponents are putting three receivers on the field and getting an additional defensive back out there and running the ball.
Game action photos from the Steelers' Week 8 game against the New York Giants at Acrisure Stadium
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) and Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) and Pittsburgh Steelers center Ryan McCollum (62) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz (46) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cory Trice Jr. (27) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defense during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo (73) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Ryan McCollum (62) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defense during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers special teams during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offense during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) and Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offense during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offense during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) and \s31\during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offense during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
• Late in the week, Giants right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor said he is an ultra-confident player and wanted to be left on an island to block Watt one-on-one.
The Giants' coaching staff didn't listen to him. They gave Eluemunor plenty of help throughout the night, instead often leaving veteran offensive tackle and former Steeler Chris Hubbard alone with Alex Highsmith on the left side of the offense.
It wasn't the best approach.
Highsmith had 12 pressures, six quarterback hits and two sacks on 38 pass rushes working primarily against Hubbard, signed off San Francisco's practice squad 10 days ago. Watt had two sacks, including a strip sack on which he recovered a fumble, and two additional quarterback hits.
And on the strip-sack that came moments after the Steelers' lone turnover of the game, a fumble by Wilson on a run, Eluemunor was supposed to have help. It just never came because the tight end had shifted to Highsmith's side to keep him from wrecking things.
But he was supposed to be on Watt's side.
In this game, Watt and Highsmith often swapped sides on third downs. But on this particular third down, they stayed on their own sides. And the Giants didn't adjust.
"Yeah, he was supposed to be chipped," Giants head coach Brian Daboll said.
"I needed to shift. Needed to shift to (the tight end)," said Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. "Was looking at the coverage. I didn't shift him. Jermaine was expecting a chip and he didn't get that, so that's my fault."
Watt took the high road when asked about Eluemunor's comments, admitting he heard them.
"Of course," he said. "I have a lot of respect for every single player in the NFL. Everybody works hard. I'm just trying to get my opportunities when I get them and make the most of them when they happen. It's not possible without scheme, trying to create those one-on-ones and the back end covering just long enough and the guys up front also chewing up blockers. It's a team effort."
It might be a team effort, but it's Watt who often maximizes those plays when the Steelers need a big play.
"He's what Coach Tomlin calls an A player," said Highsmith. "A players are built for those moments. I knew that play, I saw the tight end over with me, I saw him one on one with that guy. He's about to make a play. And he did. He got the ball."
That's why Watt is the most dominant defensive player in the league today. That was his fourth forced fumble this season, tying him with San Francisco's Fred Warner for the league lead. But that's nothing new. Watt now has 31 career forced fumbles, the most in the league since he entered the NFL in 2017.
• The second Pickens touchdown that was taken off the board because replay showed he didn't get both feet down in bounds is a quirk in the rules. Pickens actually got his right foot down twice before being knocked out of bounds by Giants cornerback Deonte Banks.
It was former Steelers head coach Chuck Noll who pushed for the NFL to begin counting one elbow or knee to count as getting two feet down. But in the NFL, getting the same foot down twice is not the same as getting both feet or an elbow, hip, shoulder or any other body part down in bounds.
"I almost feel like it's an interesting rule," said Wilson. "It's like obviously we thought maybe he dragged his toe, maybe got it down. When you get the same foot down twice, clear one, then another one, number two, it's almost like you get a knee down, it counts as a touchdown. Getting two rights maybe should count, but I don't know."
Tomlin challenged the play, initially ruled a touchdown, before game officials came over and told it was overturned not by an on-field official but by the replay officials.
"I didn't know that they used replay assist," Tomlin said. "I really wasn't really clear on why it was ruled a non-touchdown. I went to the flag. Had I known they used replay assist, obviously I wouldn't have thrown because you're not allowed to throw when they use replay assist."
Instead, the Steelers were charged with a timeout.
If an elbow, knee or hip are considered the same as getting two feet down in bounds for a legal catch, it seems like getting the same foot down twice should count as getting both feet down in bounds.
• Heyward was still emotional about the video board montage that played to let fans know in the stadium that he had broken the team record for games played with 202.
As the Steelers prepared for a defensive series in the third quarter, "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath began to play with its rhythmic drumbeat to open the song. It then burst into a highlight reel of great plays made by Heyward over the years.
"I wasn't expecting that. But it was nice," Heyward said. "I would have been fine if we had never acknowledged it."
Still, Heyward acknowledged the record was meaningful, largely because of the players he's passed to get there, namely Mel Blount and, Monday night, Donnie Shell. Both are Pro Football Hall of Fame members.
"I know the players that are around that, and I have so much respect for them, Donnie Shell, Mel," Heyward said. "There's a lot of respect there. I don't take this game lightly. There's a lot of luck involved. There's a lot of staying healthy when everybody said I wasn't or was hurt all the time. But I appreciate it."
• Calvin Austin's 73-yard punt return for a touchdown was just another big play made by the Steelers' special teams units this season. That unit has easily been the most consistent performer for this team this season, doing something to contribute in a major way each week.
"It's a legitimate phase of the game for us. We give it that respect, not only in words but in our approach, in how we work. The guys make it real with their efforts," said Tomlin. "Not only Calvin, but I saw a couple of guys that secured really, really sharp blocks. They're blocking toward their inline and they shielded as opposed to forcible blocks. It's just a display of football understanding."
Key to that was tight end Rodney Williams, who sealed the edge. If he had laid his man out, he might have gotten a penalty for a block in the back. Instead, he essentially set a screen, allowing the defender to run into him.
Once that happened, Austin was off to the races.
The punt return touchdown was the Steelers' first since Diontae Johnson did it in 2019 against the Cardinals. But Austin knew that, even though he was in college at the time it happened.
"Diontae versus the Cardinals," he said when I asked him if he knew it had been that long since the Steelers had a punt return touchdown. "I remember he was telling me last year, it's time to get one. That's why against the Ravens last year I had a long one and was hoping to get there and didn't end up getting in there. He was always saying that on a punt, this is where you make your mark because it's only you.
"You get to control whether you're going to catch it and what you're going to do. That's why I'm so very blessed to be a returner."
• It was a big game for the Steelers' wide receivers not named Pickens.
Austin not only had the punt return for a score, he caught a 29-yard touchdown pass from Wilson, as well, finishing with three catches for 54 yards.
Jefferson had four receptions for 62 yards, including a 36-yard grab down the sideline on the final play of the third quarter that, according to NFL's NextGen Stats, had just a 13.3 percent chance of being completed. That makes it the fourth-most improbable reception in the league this year.
Combined, they had seven catches for 116 yards and a score.
With the NFL trade deadline approaching Nov. 5, there has been endless speculation surrounding the Steelers needing to acquire another wide receiver to complement Pickens.
Austin and Jefferson are only human. They hear what's been said and written regarding the Steelers' flirtations about acquiring another wide receiver.
"I think it could be a statement to the outside world," Austin said. "We all knew what we were capable of. Every single day, we block out the outside noise and do what we do."
Jefferson said the insertion of Wilson into the starting lineup has unlocked some of their potential because of his ability to throw the ball downfield with great touch, something the 13-year veteran has done throughout his career.
That showed on his 36-yard catch. Jefferson was one-on-one with a cornerback and Wilson let the ball fly, throwing it behind the wide receiver, where only he could catch it.
"That was an adjustment. Russ threw a good ball. I adjusted to it and came down with it," Jefferson said. "He has that moon ball. You can track it better and you can determine where it's going to be. It was a great throw by him. I'm just a small piece of that play. The line and running backs blocking, the receivers run their routes, so it was cool."
• The Steelers' 6-2 start is their best since beginning 11-0 in 2020. But this has a different feel about it.
First, that was the COVID season, so many of those games were played in front of no fans. And that Steelers team had seven wins by seven points or less.
The Steelers have just one win thus far by seven points or less, though they do have a pair of eight-point wins after Monday night's game.
Their point differential of plus-68, however, is second-best in the AFC behind Buffalo, and fourth-best in the NFL overall.
The second half of the season looms large, with all six of the team's AFC North games coming in the second half, as well as games against division-leading Kansas City and Washington, as well as Philadelphia, a half-game behind the Commanders for the NFL East lead.
But 6-2 with the only two losses being a pair of three-point defeats that could easily have been wins has shown that this team can compete on a weekly basis.
The Steelers' 119 points allowed is second-fewest in the AFC and 90 points less than Baltimore has given up this season.
• Dale Lolley is co-host of "SNR Drive" on Steelers Nation Radio. Subscribe to the podcast here: Apple Podcast | iHeart Podcast
The Steelers' 187 points are fifth-most in the AFC, just one point less than Houston for fourth-most.
"It is good to have a fast start to the season," said Highsmith. "We know the schedule we've got on the back half of the season, so we have just got to continue to get better every single day, not get content, not get complacent. The AFC North is waiting on us – some other tough games as well."
Some additional reinforcements are forthcoming.
When the Steelers get back from the bye week, they should have center Zach Frazier back after missing the past two games with an ankle injury. Nick Herbig, who has been out the past three games with a hamstring injury, also should be ready to go.
And the Steelers have opened the practice window for both offensive tackle Dylan Cook and linebacker Tyler Matakevich, as well. Both have been on injured reserve with a designation to return.
Veteran cornerback Cam Sutton also is eligible to return to the team after sitting out the first eight games while serving a suspension for an off-field incident.
The Steelers will need all hands on deck down the stretch.
• On a day in which Austin and Jefferson were impactful, the Steelers placed third-round draft pick Roman Wilson on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.
That's unfortunate. The rookie wide receiver has now missed all but one game this season, including the entire preseason with an ankle injury.
But that doesn't mean Wilson was a wasted draft pick.
Injuries happen. And when they happen to young players, it is extremely difficult to get on a moving train.
That does, however, allow others the opportunity to make their own mark on this season.
"We talk too much about guys we don't have in this business," said Tomlin. "There's always other deserving men on the other end of that conversation who are getting an opportunity. Ryan McCollum is one of those guys. A major component of why we were successful in terms of running the football."
McCollum, starting the past two games in place of Frazier, had a huge task standing in front of him in 340-plus pound nose tackle Dexter Lawrence and his league-leading nine sacks facing him.
Lawrence had four tackles and a quarterback hit. He also flushed Russell Wilson into a sack.
But he didn't wreck the game.
McCollum didn't do that by himself. He was often helped with Lawrence. But that's what you do against a great player.
• Pickens had two touchdowns of his own taken off the board in this game. But he was one of the first players to run to the end zone to congratulate Austin after his punt return touchdown, even though he wasn't in on the play.
That gives a glimpse of how teammates feel about Austin, who always seems upbeat, even during his rookie season when he was out for the year.
"Calvin was deserving of that moment," said Jefferson. "He deserves all the success. We're so happy for him. He just wants to play ball and he's just eager to impact the game. I'm just so proud of him. I know he's going to build off of this."
