Steelers Edge Giants in Primetime Duel, 26-18, as Giants’ Offensive, Defensive Highs Fall Short
Pittsburgh, PA – The New York Giants’ primetime struggles continued in a 26-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium last night. In a game marked by standout individual performances and missed team opportunities, the Giants fell to 0-3 in night games this season, extending Pittsburgh’s streak to 22 straight Monday night home wins – a streak dating back to a Giants win on Oct. 14, 1991.
Tracy Continues Breakout Season
Fifth-round rookie running back Tyrone Tracy provided a bright spot in the loss, rushing for a season-high 145 yards on 20 carries, including a 45-yard touchdown. This season-high run was the Giants’ longest play of the year and the team’s longest touchdown run since Saquon Barkley’s 67-yarder in 2019. Tracy is fast becoming one of the NFL’s best value draft picks, becoming the first Giants rookie since Barkley in 2018 to record multiple 100-yard rushing games in a season.
Tracy’s total is now the fifth-highest rushing performance by a rookie in Giants history, trailing only Bill Paschal, Barkley, Eddie Price, and Ahmad Bradshaw. His impact was evident, as he brought the Giants within striking distance, yet the Steelers capitalized late, keeping the Giants at bay.
Slayton and Nabers Spark Passing Game
Wide receiver Darius Slayton was a major factor, racking up 108 yards on just four receptions, marking his second 100-yard game of the season. With this effort, Slayton moved into the Giants’ top 20 in career receiving yards, surpassing both Plaxico Burress and Mark Bavaro.
Rookie wideout Malik Nabers also continued his strong start, leading the team with seven receptions for 71 yards. Nabers now joins Saquon Barkley and Rams rookie Puka Nacua as one of only three players since the Super Bowl era to register 40+ catches in his first six games.
Jones Struggles as Pressure Mounts
Daniel Jones connected on 24 of 38 passes for 264 yards, but his efforts were marred by a costly interception late in the game and four sacks, including a fumble forced and recovered by Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt. Jones, who has now thrown five interceptions on the season, was unable to rally the Giants in the final minutes as his pass intended for Devin Singletary was intercepted by Pittsburgh’s Beanie Bishop to seal the game.
Okereke and Defense Show Fight
On defense, linebacker Bobby Okereke led the way with 14 tackles and provided a pivotal moment in the fourth quarter by forcing and recovering a fumble on Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson. Okereke, along with Azeez Ojulari and Brian Burns, helped the Giants’ defense apply consistent pressure, combining for four sacks to bring their season total to 35 – already surpassing last year’s tally.
However, Pittsburgh struck first with Calvin Austin’s 73-yard punt return touchdown in the third quarter, breaking a defensive deadlock and shifting momentum to the Steelers. The special teams miscue, the first punt return touchdown against the Giants since 2017, highlighted a continuing problem for the Giants in capitalizing on field position.
New Faces Step Up Amid Injuries
Injuries and lineup changes continued to challenge the Giants, as cornerbacks Cor’Dale Flott and Adoree’ Jackson, punter Jamie Gillan, and offensive line mainstay Andrew Thomas were sidelined. Christopher Hubbard made his Giants debut, starting at left tackle after signing with the team on Oct. 18, marking his first game action since last season with the Titans. Defensive tackle Armon Watts and cornerback Greg Stroman also made their Giants debuts, with Watts recording two tackles, including one for loss.
Looking Ahead
The Giants fall to 2-6 with last night’s loss, lacking a primetime win on the year and failing to build consistent offensive momentum. They return to daytime action next week, where they will look to break free from a season characterized by intermittent highs and lingering frustrations.
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