The Pittsburgh Steelers improved to 7-5 after beating the New York Giants 24-14 in Week 13. Here are the highlights and key players from Sunday’s game at Heinz Field.
Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell and Ladarius Green led an offensive explosion for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the New York Giants in Week 13. The Steelers also got some help from Antonio Brown, who outplayed Odell Beckham Jr. in the battle of the NFL‘s two premier wide receivers.
Roethlisberger, Brown and Co. tore through the Giants’ defense to help the Steelers build a 21-7 fourth quarter lead. A penalty on left tackle Ereck Flowers gave Pittsburgh a safety, before Randy Bullock kicked a field goal.
Then it was Brown’s turn to score. His six-pointer was added to by Bullock’s second field goal, before Green scored the Steelers’ second touchdown.
Only two costly turnovers kept New York in the game. The Giants turned a Bell fumble into a 13-yard touchdown run from Rashad Jennings in the third quarter. Then a Roethlisberger interception, thrown to rookie Eli Apple, gave Big Blue renewed hope.
Yet the Giants failed to turn Apple’s theft into points when Sean Davis intercepted Eli Manning. It was the second pick thrown by New York’s QB, after Lawrence Timmons stole a pass in the second quarter.
The Steelers were then able to control the fourth quarter thanks to Bell’s tough running. Bullock capped a run-heavy, Bell-led drive with his third field goal, before Sterling Shepard gave the Giants some pride back in garbage time.
Three Stars
1. Ladarius Green
Green is the X-factor the Steelers have missed on offense. But the dynamic, joker-style tight end has been superb since coming off the PUP list.
Green is a walking mismatch thanks to his wideout-like speed and gravity defying athleticism. All of his best qualities were on display during a standout turn against the Giants.
Green caught six Roethlisberger passes for 110 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown in the third quarter. The scoring play saw Green give safety Landon Collins, a Defensive MVP candidate, the slip.
In the process, Green marked a career-fist, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler:
The numbers are a testament to Green’s growing importance in one of the league’s most effective passing schemes.
2. Le’Veon Bell
Bell was at this dual-threat best in Week 13. He was a running and receiving nuisance who consistently had Giants defenders chasing shadows and wore them out in the fourth quarter.
Bell rushed for 116 yards on 28 carries and added 64 more off six catches. Offensive coordinator Todd Haley moved football’s version of the Swiss Army knife everywhere. Bell lined up in the backfield, in the slot and out wide to keep the Giants guessing.
Bell’s always most dangerous when he’s allowed to be more than just a runner. Defenses are going to find stopping No. 26 close to impossible to stop if the Steelers stay creative with how they use him.
3. Antonio Brown
Brown got his hands on six passes, including a 22-yard touchdown in the second quarter. He delivered the points and consistency Beckham couldn’t manage on the day.
Brown’s numbers weren’t as gaudy as Beckham’s, who snagged 10 passes for 105 yards. Although most of those came when the outcome was beyond doubt.
But whenever Roethlisberger needed a clutch throw, he knew he could looks his best receiver’s way.
Being dependable in the clutch is one of the hallmark’s of Brown’s ascent to the peak of his position. The Steelers are loaded with quality playmakers like Green and Bell. But Brown is still the main man who makes this offense click.
Next: NFL Week 13: Picks and predictions
Tuitt has registered three sacks in as many games recently. He’s a matchup nightmare for the Giants O-line.
The group will be weakened on the inside with veteran guard Justin Pugh still unlikely to feature, per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. Tuitt has the talent to take this game over.