Football fans were treated to an intense showdown on October 28, 2024, when the New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats in a thrilling Monday Night Football game. The final score of 26-18 in favor of the Steelers told only part of the story, as individual player performances and key moments shaped this gritty battle. Whether you’re a die-hard Giants or Steelers fan, or just love diving into NFL stats, this article breaks down the standout player performances, key statistics, and defining moments from the game in a way that’s easy to understand for fans of all ages. Let’s dive into the numbers and stories behind the New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats, with a focus on player stats that made the difference.
Game Overview: A Hard-Fought Battle
The Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) hosted the New York Giants (2-5) at Acrisure Stadium in a Week 8 matchup that had playoff implications for the Steelers and redemption on the line for the Giants. Coming off a humiliating 28-3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Giants were desperate to rebound, while the Steelers, riding a two-game win streak with Russell Wilson as their new starting quarterback, aimed to solidify their lead in the AFC North. The game was a defensive slugfest with flashes of offensive brilliance, marked by 16 combined penalties, three nullified touchdowns, and critical special teams plays. By the end, the Steelers emerged victorious, thanks to a balanced attack and a game-changing punt return.
Let’s break down the player stats, starting with the quarterbacks, who set the tone for their respective teams.
Quarterback Performances: Wilson Shines, Jones Struggles Late
Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Russell Wilson, the veteran quarterback who returned from a calf injury to take over the Steelers’ starting role, delivered a strong performance in his second start of the season. Completing 20 of 28 passes (71.4% completion rate) for 278 yards, Wilson showcased his ability to move the ball downfield. He threw one touchdown—a 29-yard beauty to Calvin Austin III—and had one fumble, which briefly gave the Giants a chance to claw back into the game. Wilson’s poise under pressure and chemistry with his receivers, particularly George Pickens, helped the Steelers amass 426 total offensive yards, a stark improvement from earlier in the season when Justin Fields was under center.
Wilson’s ability to spread the ball around was evident, as he connected with six different receivers. His performance wasn’t perfect—two potential touchdown passes were wiped out (one by penalty, one by replay review)—but his 278 passing yards marked the Steelers’ second straight game with over 400 total yards, a feat they achieved only once in six games with Fields starting. Wilson’s leadership and deep-ball accuracy were pivotal in keeping the Giants’ defense on its heels.
Daniel Jones (New York Giants)
On the other side, Daniel Jones faced a tough Steelers defense and showed flashes of resilience but ultimately faltered in critical moments. Jones completed 24 of 38 passes (63.2% completion rate) for 264 yards, with no touchdowns and one costly interception late in the game. He also added 22 rushing yards on four carries, demonstrating his mobility. However, Jones was sacked once by T.J. Watt, resulting in a fumble that swung momentum back to Pittsburgh. His interception, picked off by Beanie Bishop Jr. with 42 seconds remaining, sealed the Giants’ fate.
Jones’ performance was a mixed bag. He made some sharp throws, including a 36-yard completion to Darius Slayton, but struggled to convert drives into touchdowns, settling for four field goals by Greg Joseph. The Giants’ 11 penalties for 65 yards didn’t help, often putting Jones in tough third-and-long situations. Despite the loss, Jones showed he could keep up with a potent Steelers offense, but his late-game mistakes proved costly.
Running Backs: Tyrone Tracy Jr. Steals the Show
Tyrone Tracy Jr. (New York Giants)
The Giants’ rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. was a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating night for New York. Tracy ran for a season-high 145 yards on 20 carries, including a 45-yard touchdown sprint in the fourth quarter that pulled the Giants within eight points (26-18). His 7.3 yards per carry average showcased his explosiveness and vision, making him the game’s leading rusher. Tracy’s touchdown was a highlight, as he burst through the line and outran the Steelers’ secondary. However, a failed two-point conversion attempt to Malik Nabers behind the line of scrimmage limited the impact of his score.
Tracy’s performance was a reminder of the Giants’ potential on the ground, especially after losing Saquon Barkley to the Eagles. He also added two receptions for 14 yards, showing versatility as a pass-catcher. Despite his efforts, the Giants’ inability to sustain drives and their penalties hindered Tracy’s impact.
Najee Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers)
For the Steelers, Najee Harris continued his strong 2024 campaign with 19 carries for 114 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry. Harris didn’t find the end zone, but his physical running style wore down the Giants’ defensive front, helping Pittsburgh control the clock. Harris also caught two passes for 18 yards, contributing to the Steelers’ balanced offensive attack. His back-to-back 100-yard rushing games (including 102 yards against the Jets the previous week) highlight his importance to Pittsburgh’s ground game.
Jaylen Warren complemented Harris with 10 carries for 46 yards and three receptions for 27 yards, adding another dimension to the Steelers’ backfield. Together, Harris and Warren helped Pittsburgh rack up 148 rushing yards, keeping the Giants’ defense honest and opening up play-action opportunities for Wilson.
Wide Receivers: Calvin Austin III’s Breakout Night
Calvin Austin III (Pittsburgh Steelers)
The game’s MVP was undoubtedly Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III, whose electric performance on offense and special teams turned the tide. Austin, a 5-foot-9, 162-pound speedster, made his mark with a 73-yard punt return touchdown in the third quarter, blowing the game open after a sluggish first half. Coach Mike Tomlin’s pre-return pep talk clearly worked, as Austin sprinted across the field, evading tacklers for his first career punt return score.
Austin wasn’t done there. He hauled in a 29-yard touchdown pass from Wilson in the fourth quarter, finishing with two receptions for 54 yards. His speed and playmaking ability gave the Steelers the spark they needed, and his contributions on special teams and offense earned him chants from the Pittsburgh crowd. Austin’s breakout night underscored his growing role in the Steelers’ offense, especially with Wilson targeting him in key moments.
George Pickens (Pittsburgh Steelers)
George Pickens continued to build chemistry with Wilson, catching four passes for 74 yards. While he didn’t score, two potential touchdowns were nullified—one by a penalty on Broderick Jones and another by replay review. Pickens’ ability to stretch the field opened up opportunities for other receivers like Van Jefferson (four catches, 62 yards), making the Steelers’ passing game more dynamic.
Darius Slayton and Malik Nabers (New York Giants)
For the Giants, Darius Slayton led the receiving corps with four catches for 108 yards, including a 36-yard deep ball from Jones that set up a field goal. His ability to get open downfield was a bright spot for New York’s offense. Rookie Malik Nabers, returning from a concussion, caught seven passes for 72 yards, showing his potential as a reliable target despite the failed two-point conversion attempt. Wan’Dale Robinson added five receptions for 35 yards, but the Giants’ passing game struggled to convert big plays into points.
Defensive Standouts: T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith Dominate
T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers)
No discussion of this game is complete without mentioning T.J. Watt, the Steelers’ All-Pro linebacker who once again proved why he’s one of the NFL’s elite defenders. Watt recorded a strip-sack on Daniel Jones in the fourth quarter, recovering the fumble to halt a potential Giants scoring drive. His disruption of Jones was a game-changer, and he finished with six tackles, 2.0 sacks, and a forced fumble. Watt’s 8.0 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks on the season highlight his dominance.
Alex Highsmith (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Watt’s teammate Alex Highsmith had a career night, generating 12 pressures and two sacks on 38 pass rushes, with 11 pressures coming against Giants left tackle Chris Hubbard. Highsmith’s relentless pursuit of Jones disrupted New York’s rhythm and contributed to Pittsburgh’s defensive success.
Giants Defense: Bobby Okereke and Dexter Lawrence II
For the Giants, linebacker Bobby Okereke led with 10 tackles and recovered Wilson’s fumble, giving New York a chance to tie the game late. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II added six tackles and a tackle for loss, clogging the middle against Pittsburgh’s run game. However, the Giants’ 11 penalties, including an illegal formation on Austin’s punt return, hurt their defensive efforts.
Special Teams: The Difference-Maker
Special teams played a massive role in the outcome, with Calvin Austin III’s 73-yard punt return touchdown stealing the show. Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was perfect, hitting all four field goal attempts (31, 25, 27, and 31 yards), while Giants kicker Greg Joseph also went 4-for-4 (29, 39, 44, and 29 yards). However, Giants punter Matt Haack’s 54-yard punt was returned for a touchdown by Austin, a critical moment that shifted momentum.
Key Team New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats
Here’s a quick look at the team stats that defined the game:
- Total Yards: Steelers 426, Giants 394
- Rushing Yards: Giants 159 (led by Tracy’s 145), Steelers 148 (led by Harris’ 114)
- Passing Yards: Steelers 278 (Wilson), Giants 235 (Jones, net of sacks)
- Penalties: Giants 11 for 65 yards, Steelers 5 for 40 yards
- Turnovers: Giants 2 (Jones’ fumble and interception), Steelers 1 (Wilson’s fumble)
- Time of Possession: Steelers 31:12, Giants 28:48
What Went Wrong for the Giants?
The Giants’ loss can be attributed to a few key factors. First, their 11 penalties, including illegal formations and holding calls, stalled drives and gave the Steelers favorable field position. Second, their inability to convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns forced them to rely on field goals. Finally, Jones’ late fumble and interception were daggers, especially against a Steelers defense that thrives on capitalizing on mistakes. Despite Tracy’s heroics and a solid passing game, the Giants couldn’t overcome their self-inflicted wounds.
Why the Steelers Won
The Steelers’ victory was a team effort. Wilson’s efficient passing, Harris’ grinding runs, and Austin’s explosive plays on offense and special teams gave Pittsburgh the edge. Defensively, Watt and Highsmith’s pressure on Jones disrupted the Giants’ rhythm, while Boswell’s reliability ensured points on stalled drives. The Steelers’ ability to avoid costly penalties (only five compared to the Giants’ 11) and capitalize on big plays, like Austin’s punt return, made the difference.
Looking Ahead
The Steelers (6-2) head into their bye week leading the AFC North, with their next game against the Washington Commanders on November 10. The Giants (2-6), mired in last place in the NFC East, face the Commanders at home on November 3. For Pittsburgh, Wilson’s resurgence and Austin’s emergence as a playmaker bode well for the second half of the season. For the Giants, Tracy’s breakout performance offers hope, but they’ll need to clean up penalties and improve red-zone efficiency to turn their season around.
Final Thoughts
The October 28, 2024, matchup between the New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats was a classic tale of missed opportunities and game-changing plays. Calvin Austin III’s punt return and touchdown catch, T.J. Watt’s strip-sack, and Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s 145-yard rushing performance were the defining moments. While the Steelers’ balanced attack and disciplined play secured the win, the Giants showed fight but were undone by penalties and turnovers. This game was a reminder that in the NFL, every play counts—whether it’s a quarterback’s decision, a running back’s burst, or a special teams spark.