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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Curt Popejoy

Defense and special teams carries Steelers to huge win over the Giants

Despite the Pittsburgh Steelers offense topping 400 total yards for the second-straight game, the Steelers defense and special teams stole the show in the team’s 26-18 win over the New York Giants.

Of the team’s 26 points, 20 of those came directly from special teams. Kicker Chris Boswell hit all four of his field goal tries, and both of his extra points. Meanwhile, wide receiver Calvin Austin III scored on a 73-yard punt return.

Defensively, the group really turned up the heat in the second half. The Steelers sacked Giants quarterback Daniel Jones four times, all in the second half. Outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith each had two sacks and one of Watt’s sacks also turned into a Jones fumble. Pittsburgh cornerback Beanie Bishop ended the game with an interception of Jones to give him three in two weeks.

As for the offense, this unit played well despite struggling to find the end zone. Quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 278 yards and one touchdown pass but also coughed up a fumble late that put the game in jeopardy for a time. Running back Najee Harris had his third straight 100-yard game and continues to make a case for a big contract at the end of the season.

Now the Steelers head into the bye week with a 6-2 record and the lead in the AFC North.

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