Finding ways to win is what matters most in the NFL, and that is what the Steelers accomplished in Week 8. They now enter their bye week with a 6-2 record and at the top of their division standings. It might not have been pretty, but they found a way to get across the finish line. Pittsburgh deserves some criticism for how they played in certain aspects, but they did more good than bad.
When it comes down to it, this game should have been a beatdown by Pittsburgh. They were moving the ball effectively all day on offense, but they just didn't turn those long drives into touchdowns.
The Steelers found ways to keep the Giants in the game, and it almost cost them a couple of times. Meanwhile, the defense gave up 394 yards, but they found ways to bend and not break.
Steelers offense report card grade: B
This was one of the better offensive performances by the Steelers in years. Well, at least it looks that good on paper. Russell Wilson is still finding ways to air the ball out and get receivers the chance to make a play. Again, the biggest problem working against the offense on this report card was their lack of touchdowns. They only scored one against a pretty banged-up Giants defense.
You have to applaud both the running backs and the offensive line for how effective the run game was for Pittsburgh. They found ways to open things up and the passing game carried that success over to their aspect of things. Wilson's late fumble could've been disastrous, but he luckily got bailed out. That could have been a huge talking point if the game turned the other way.
Steelers defense report card grade: C+
Honestly, besides not allowing more than one touchdown, the Steeler's defense played pretty badly in Week 8. New York had multiple plays that went big chunk yardage. They have good receivers on the other team, but they were making Pittsburgh's defenders look silly. You can blame the Steeler's offense for only kicking field goals, but the defense was just as much to blame for the tight score.
Perhaps the biggest letdown by the defense was their inability to defend against the run. The Giants have a poor offensive line as a whole and some unproven running backs. Pittsburgh allowed them to run effectively throughout the game and create giant holes. Besides the late interception and both T.J. Watt aided by Alex Highsmith, this was one of the worst performances of the season by this unit.
Steelers special teams report card grade: A
With how things are currently going, the Steelers special teams group seems like they make a significant impact on the game each week. No matter if it's a return in the punt or kicking game or some sort of block, they have found ways to remain explosive in the third phase of football. You cannot deny how effective Danny Smith has been with Pittsburgh this year.
Calvin Austin III lit a spark with a punt return touchdown, which was significant since the Steelers offense was struggling in that area. Chris Boswell remains Mr. Reliable as he was able to make all of his kicks to tac on points. Corliss Waitman had some quality punts that allowed the field position battle to sway enough to slow the Giants down -- including his final punt that forced New York to start the drive at their own six-yard line.