On a quiet Monday night in Pittsburgh, Calvin Austin III electrified the crowd with a game-changing punt return, helping lift the Steelers over the New York Giants, 26-18. In a contest that saw both teams struggle to find the end zone and manage penalties, the undersized yet dynamic Austin seized the spotlight in the third quarter, giving the Steelers the spark they needed to secure their 22nd consecutive home win on Monday Night Football.
With the Steelers offense struggling to convert drives into points, head coach Mike Tomlin sensed the need for a shift. Austin, the 5-foot-9, 162-pound wide receiver known for his speed and agility, had been on the verge of a big play all season. On a third-quarter punt return, after a pep talk from Tomlin, Austin seized the opportunity, blazing down the field for a 73-yard touchdown, finally breaking the big one he had been texting friends about all weekend.
His performance didn’t stop there. Austin added a 29-yard, over-the-shoulder touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, propelling the Steelers offense to a critical two-possession lead over the Giants. Austin finished the game with three receptions for 54 yards and a punt return touchdown, cementing his role as a playmaker for Pittsburgh.
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, in just his second home start since recovering from a calf injury, demonstrated control and precision in the pocket. Completing 20 of 28 passes for 278 yards, Wilson showcased poise and a deep connection with his receiving corps, targeting eight different players. His lone slip-up—a fumble with under five minutes remaining—briefly opened a window for New York, but the Steelers’ defense quickly shut it.
Wide receivers Van Jefferson and George Pickens complemented Austin’s performance, with Jefferson grabbing four receptions for 62 yards. Wilson’s balanced distribution was a promising sign for a team that had previously relied heavily on Pickens to carry the passing game.
Running back Najee Harris continued his hot streak, rushing for 114 yards and topping the 100-yard mark for the third consecutive game. Kicker Chris Boswell’s reliable leg contributed 12 points, nailing four field goals to keep the Steelers in control as drives frequently stalled in Giants’ territory.
The Steelers defense, led by star linebacker T.J. Watt, came through in the game’s final moments. Watt recorded a strip-sack on Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, forcing a turnover with New York driving for a potential game-tying score. Rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop capped the night by intercepting Jones with 42 seconds left, sealing the victory for Pittsburgh.
The Giants, now 2-6, fought to keep pace, with rookie running back Tyrone Tracy shining as a bright spot. Tracy rushed for a season-high 145 yards, including a 45-yard breakaway that cut Pittsburgh’s lead to eight early in the fourth quarter. However, the Giants’ offense, hindered by penalties and missed opportunities, couldn’t capitalize fully on Tracy’s strong showing. Jones, who threw for 264 yards, suffered from protection breakdowns and questionable decisions. A late-game interception ended New York’s hopes of a comeback, concluding a frustrating night.
With their third consecutive win, the Steelers move to 6-2, sitting atop the AFC North by a game over Baltimore as they head into their bye week. Tomlin and his team will look to build on their newfound offensive balance and keep momentum on defense. For the Giants, the loss was another setback, as inconsistency and penalties continue to plague a season filled with missed chances.
