The Pittsburgh Steelers have wrapped a bow on their week one performance against the Giants. Bud Dupree was the best player on the field for Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh Steelers opened up their 2020 season with a 26-16 victory over the New York Giants and it was a game of ups and downs with the teams shaking off their rust. The defense looked steady for the most part and made plays when they were needed most.
Some honorable mentions for MVP of the game are JuJu Smith-Schuster, TJ Watt, Vince Williams, and Benny Snell. Each one of them had plays that stood out when compared to their fellow teammates.
However, the player of the game goes to linebacker, Bud Dupree as he was creating havoc for the Giants the entire game. It all started in the first half when he went in twice unblocked and blew up running back Saquan Barkley for a major loss. This was a common theme for the defense throughout the night but Dupree showed his ability to get after the opposition in the backfield.
Dupree was also responsible for the biggest moment in the game when he was able to stop the Giants from getting any points. When this moment happened, it was a one-possession game and the Giants were on a nice drive directed by the Giants quarterback, Daniel Jones. He rolled out right and Dupree gave chase until Jones was about to throw the football. The linebacker was able to get his mit on the ball as Jones released it and was able to make the ball shoot up like a punted football.
The ball fluttered and defensive lineman, Cam Heyward was able to secure the ball and intercept it in the end zone for a touchdown. It was an amazing play that altered the outcome and momentum of the game entirely.
Dupree’s great play took the Giants from threatening to score and gave them a zero instead. The offense would then march down the field and gain three more points onto their lead. That moment allowed the Steelers to alter the game back into their favor and eventually secure victory.
Dupree showed up and helped this Pittsburgh defense continue to make plays all night long. The Steeler’s best player was their outside linebacker opposite of their other star, Watt.