Tied at 9-9 midway through the third quarter with the New York Giants Monday night at Acrisure Stadium, the Steelers needed a spark.
Calvin Austin III, the smallest player on the team at 5-foot-9, 162 pounds provided that spark.
Actually, Austin provided two of them.
Austin returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter and also caught a 29-yard touchdown pass as the Steelers defeated the Giants, 26-18, here to win their 22nd consecutive Monday night football home game.
"Can't say enough about Calvin," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. "I thought that's a big play, that punt return. It was a catalyst for us."
The win, the third-straight for the Steelers, improves their record to 6-2 heading into the bye week. It also puts them in first place by themselves, a game ahead of the Ravens (5-3) who lost in Cleveland Sunday in the AFC North standings.
Making his second start of the season, Russell Wilson completed 20 of 28 passes for 278 yards and a touchdown. The Steelers also rushed for 169 yards, as Najee Harris went over 100 yards for the third consecutive game, picking up a season-high 114 yards on 19 carries.
Cam Heyward played in his 202nd career game with the Steelers, breaking Pro Football Hall of Fame member Donnie Shell's team record for the most games played with the franchise by a defensive player. Heyward had six tackles, two quarterback hits, and a pass defensed in the game.
The Steelers took the opening kickoff and marched to the New York 11 on just seven plays when Wilson threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to George Pickens.
But a face mask penalty on right tackle Broderick Jones negated the score and the Steelers were forced to settle for a 31-yard Chris Boswell field goal.
The Giants (2-6) answered, as Daniel Jones completed a 43-yard pass down the seam to wide receiver Darius Slayton to set up a 29-yard Greg Joseph field goal to tie the game at 3-3.
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)
Wilson and the Steelers quickly answered, as he connected with tight end Darnell Washington and the Steelers pushed the ball to the New York 7. But Wilson's pass attempts to Van Jefferson and Austin on second and third downs fell incomplete and Boswell kicked a 25-yard field goal to give the Steelers a 6-3 lead.
The Giants drove to the Pittsburgh 16 on their ensuing possession, but Jones had a touchdown pass to tight end Chris Manhertz negated by an illegal shift penalty and New York settled for a 39-yard field goal by Joseph to tie the game at 6-6.
The Steelers appeared to score a touchdown on their next possession, as Wilson completed a 9-yard pass to Pickens in the back of the end zone. But after an official review, Pickens was ruled to not have gotten both feet down before being pushed out of the back of the end zone and the Steelers sent Boswell out for a 27-yard field goal and a 9-6 lead.
The Steelers forced a three-and-out on New York's next possession and got the ball back with 6:45 remaining in the half, pushing the ball to the Giants' 47. But Wilson was sacked on third-and-3, forcing the Steelers to punt.
Once again, Jones dialed up a long pass to Slayton, this time for a 36-yard gain down the sideline on third-and-8 from the 19, to help get the Giants into field goal range for a 44-yard Joseph field goal that tied that game at 9-9 at halftime.
The two teams traded punts, with the Steelers picking up three sacks, two by Alex Highsmith and one from T.J. Watt, before Pittsburgh's special teams unit made the play of the game.
Austin fielded a kick from punter Matt Haack on the right hash mark, reversed his field and picked up a block from tight end Rodney Williams to seal the edge. That was all the room Austin would need as he sprinted past the Giants' sideline and went 73 yards for a touchdown to give the Steelers a 16-9 lead with 4:38 remaining in the third quarter.
It was the Steelers' first punt return for a touchdown since Diontae Johnson returned one 85 yards for a score in 2019 against the Cardinals.
After forcing another three-and-out from the Giants, the Steelers got the ball back, and on the final play of the third quarter, facing third-and-11, Wilson connected with Jefferson for a 36-yard gain to the New York 31.
On third down, the Giants blitzed, but the Steelers picked it up and Wilson lofted a 29-yard touchdown pass to Austin for a 23-9 lead.
The Giants cut into the lead on their next possession, with Jones converting a third-and-16 to Malik Nabers to set up a 45-yard touchdown run by rookie Tyrone Tracy.
The Giants went for a two-point conversion, but Highsmith sniffed out an attempted trick play on which New York had five offensive players split wide to the left with Nabors behind them. Jones immediately threw the ball to Nabors, but Highsmith arrived with the ball, forcing an incompletion and keeping New York from cutting into a 23-15 lead.
That would prove to be big, as Wilson connected with Pickens for a 50-yard gain to set up a 27-yard Boswell field goal to push the Pittsburgh advantage to 26-15 with just over seven minutes remaining.
The Giants, however, weren't done, as Jones again connected with Slayton, who had four catches for 108 yards, this time for an 18-yard completion on third-and-8, to help set up a 48-yard Joseph field goal with 5:06 left in the game that cut Pittsburgh's lead to 26-18.
On the second play of the ensuing possession, Wilson stepped up in the pocket and scrambled for a 1-yard gain. But as he went to the ground, the ball was popped out by Bobby Okereke, who recovered it at the Pittsburgh 37 for the game's first turnover.
But Watt quickly recorded the game's second turnover, as he sacked Jones on third down, stripping him of the ball and falling on it to give the ball back to the offense.
"I'm not surprised by it, but it doesn't mean that it's not appreciated," Tomlin said. "I just come to expect it because he's got a unique talent, a unique approach. Usually that produces unique results with a really consistent tone to it and usually at the most timely moments.
"I think the new Steelers are shaking their heads. I think the guys that have been here kind of expect it."
The Steelers moved the ball to the New York 43, forcing the Giants to use all of their timeout before punting the ball back at the two-minute warning to the 7-yard line.
But as the Giants attempted to go the length of the field, Jones overthrew running back Devin Singletary and Joey Porter Jr. tipped the ball into the air, where it was intercepted by Beanie Bishop, his third interception in the past two games, to secure the win.
"It seems like a lot of times when we have the lead, on too many drives we're either ending the game with a sack or we're getting a pick," said Highsmith, who along with Watt had two sacks. "That's what happened tonight. Shout-out to Beanie for getting his third in two games."
