Steelers vs Giants: Roller coaster ride that ended in victory

The Steelers ‘D’ was opportunistic and ‘around the ball’ against the Giants

Cameron  Heyward, our ten-year veteran from Ohio State, had an INT in the third quarter that I believe was the turning point in the game.  With the Steelers leading 16-10, the Giants were on the move and eventually were ‘knocking on the door’ of the end zone, but after a 19 play drive, the Steelers ‘D’ bowed up and forced an errant throw which Heyward was able to intercept.

We would go on to score a FG after that to push the lead up to 9 points and from there, we never looked back.  Had the Giants scored after marching down the field at will, I think it would have shaken the Steelers confidence and perhaps would have cost us the game, but that did not happen.

What did happen is this:  after a shaky start and some lapses in coverage, the Steelers defense did exactly what we needed them to do at that moment; we got a turnover that resulted in points.  The ‘D’ finished the evening with 3 sacks, 2 INTs, and held the Giants offense to 29 yards. It wasn’t what I would label as a ‘cakewalk’ game, but the Steelers ‘D’ came up with the big play exactly when we need them to (come up with the big play).

Although the ‘D’ gave up a TD in ‘garbage time’ with the Steelers leading at that point 26-10, all in all, I would say the Steelers ‘D’, like the offense, acquitted themselves quite well in the season opener.

Let’s wrap up this discussion, shall we?