The Pittsburgh Steelers returned to the top of the AFC North with a 24-14 win over the New York Giants. It was a tough night for Eli Manning and the Giants offence, who struggled in the red zone. Despite two big defensive plays, Manning couldn't take advantage and the Giants six game winning streak is over.
In 140 Characters...
Steelers dominate as Eli Manning and Giants struggle to find end zone. Ladarius Green and Le'Veon Bell claim 100+ yard nights for the home side.
MVP
When Pittsburgh needed him most, Green stepped up and delivered. The tight end had 110 yards off just six targets, showing he can be a valuable addition to the Steelers' attack.
Game-changer
Eli Apple made a big play for New York, intercepting Ben Roethlisberger's pass at the end of the third quarter. However Giants quarterback Manning couldn't make it count as he threw an interception of his own, handing control back to the Steelers.
Stat of the night
118 - Bell became the first running back to go over 100 yards against the Giants defence all season. He is the first player to have 100 yards rushing, three games straight for Pittsburgh since 2006.
The game
Penalties cost the Giants early, as an offensive holding call on Eric Berry handed Pittsburgh a first quarter safety. Getting the ball back, Roethlisberger then threw a 37 yard pass to Ladarius Green before the drive stalled in New York territory. Randy Bullock, the kicker signed just yesterday by the Steelers, slotted a 44 yard field goal to give Pittsburgh a 5-0 lead.
At the start of the second quarter, Eli Manning threw a red zone interception to Lawrence Timmons, who returned the ball 58 yards to the New York 40. After an 11 yard pass to Jesse James, Roethlisberger found Brown in the end zone for a 22 yard touchdown pass.
The Giants continued to struggle on offence, punting once more, before Pittsburgh wound down the clock, adding a 34 yard field goal to extend their half time lead to 14-0.
It was New York who had the first chance of the second half. On fourth and one with the Giants at Pittsburgh's four yard line, New York head coach Ben McAdoo decided to go for the touchdown rather than settle for a field goal. Manning looked for Will Tye, but Ryan Shazier disrupted the pass, keeping the visitors out of the end zone.
However, they got another chance when Le'Veon Bell fumbled under pressure. Rookie cornerback Apple recovered the ball for the Giants, and this time Manning made it count, throwing a short pass to Rashad Jennings who ran into the end zone for a 13 yard score.
The Steelers responded with a touchdown of their own, Roethlisberger moving his offence 88 yards in just seven plays, finishing with a 20 yard throw to a wide open Green and re-establishing Pittsburgh's seven point advantage.
Apple then intercepted Roethlisberger's pass early in the fourth quarter, handing Manning and the Giants a lifeline. They couldn't capitalise however, as Manning threw a pick of his own to Pittsburgh's rookie safety Sean Davis.
The Steelers added another field goal, before Sterling Shepherd scored from a one yard touchdown pass in the final minute of the game.
The win means Pittsburgh keep pace with AFC North rival Balitmore Ravens, who both sit at 7-5 after their respective wins today. The Steelers are on a three game winning run, with a relatively easy schedule to complete the season. From their four remaining games, only the Ravens hold a winning record.
New Yorks' six game winning streak ended in Pittsburgh and, although the Giants currently occupy a wild card play-off position, competition remains tough in the NFC.