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 Sundayās game at Heinz Field.
Ben Roethlisberger, LeāVeon 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 theĀ NFLās two premier wide receivers.
Roethlisberger, Brown and Co.Ā tore through the Giantsā 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 Brownās turn to score. His six-pointer was added to by Bullockās second field goal, before Green scored the Steelersā 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 BlueĀ renewed hope.
Yet the Giants failed toĀ turn Appleās theft into points whenĀ Sean Davis intercepted Eli Manning. It was the second pick thrown by New Yorkās QB, after Lawrence Timmons stole a pass in the second quarter.
The Steelers were then able to control the fourth quarter thanks to Bellās tough running. Bullock capped a run-heavy, Bell-led drive with his thirdĀ 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 ESPNās Jeremy Fowler:
The numbers are a testament to Greenās growing importance in one of the leagueās most effective passing schemes.
2. LeāVeon 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 116Ā yards on 28Ā carries and added 64 more off six catches. Offensive coordinator Todd Haley moved footballās version of the Swiss Army knife everywhere. Bell lined up in the backfield, in the slot and out wide to keep the Giants guessing.
Bellās always most dangerous when heās allowed to be more than just a runner. Defenses are going to find stopping No. 26 close to impossible to stop if the SteelersĀ stay creative withĀ 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 couldnāt manage on the day.
Brownās numbers werenāt as gaudy as Beckhamās, who snagged 10Ā passes for 105Ā 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 receiverās way.
Being dependable in the clutch is one of the hallmarkās of Brownās 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. Heās a matchup nightmare forĀ the Giants O-line.
The group willĀ be weakened on the inside with veteran guard Justin Pugh still unlikely to feature, per ESPNās Jordan Raanan. Tuitt has the talent to take this game over.