The Steelers keep their winning streak alive, but there are still challenges to tackle. Pittsburgh secured a 26-18 victory over the New York Giants on Monday night, heading into their bye week with a three-game winning streak and a solid 6-2 record.
The offense showed balance in both the passing and running game but struggled to capitalize in the red zone, an area they'll need to address during the bye. This defense, with talent all over the roster, is not playing well enough, especially with tougher offenses and teams waiting after the break. The Giants managed to rack up 157 rushing yards, exposing weaknesses that must be fixed.
Hopefully, the Steelers offense looks to add another wide receiver at the trade deadline to give them more weapons at their disposal.
Still, in this Week 8 win, one of their current receivers shined as the player of the game with two huge plays that helped secure the team’s 22nd consecutive home victory on Monday Night Football.
Player of the game: Calvin Austin III
The Steelers' offense moved the ball effectively throughout the game but struggled to finish drives and find the end zone. That changed when Calvin Austin delivered a much-needed spark with a thrilling 54-yard punt return touchdown, giving the team its first score of the night.
But Austin wasn't done there. Later, he hauled in a 29-yard touchdown reception, adding to his highlight-reel performance.
Austin has steadily developed into a valuable playmaker for the Steelers, helping fill the void in the wide receiver room opposite George Pickens. With his speed and versatility, Austin is proving to be a reliable weapon, capable of making big plays when the team needs them most.
Even if the Steelers decide to bring in another wide receiver via trade, Austin has shown he deserves a more significant role in the offense moving forward. His growth and contributions offer reassurance that the team has another dependable option to rely on in critical situations.