Analyzing Steelers Week 1 win over the New York Giants

Defense

The defense was the bright spot for the Steelers and that shouldn’t come as a surprise to most people. They were able to take advantage of a poor Giants front and destroy them. This was the case the entire night as they made it their mission to shut down the Giants star running back, Saquan Barkley.

They shut down the running game and only allowed Barkley one explosive play as he caught the ball and exploded down the sideline with his signature speed. Other than that one play this defense ended the opposing running game before it even started. Barkley finished with less rushing yards (6) than quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

This defense was propelled by their intimidating front seven as all of them had great games and continued to show that Blitzburgh attitude. Both TJ Watt and Bud Dupree continued right where they left off last season and blew up the opposing team’s schemes. The play of the game was one that secured the momentum and game for the Steelers when Giants quarterback Daniel Jones rolled left and threw the football and Dupree got a finger on it. Cam Heyward was able to intercept the ball for a touchback. It gave the Giants zero points and the offense responded by driving down the field and adding three points onto their lead.