New York Giants vs Steelers Match Player Stats: Full Game Breakdown and Key Performances
Introduction
When the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers face off, it’s always entertaining. These teams bring history, passion, and physical football. Whether it’s a battle at MetLife Stadium or under the lights in Pittsburgh, these matchups deliver. And while the final score grabs headlines, the real details are found in the numbers. That’s where the New York Giants vs Steelers match player stats come in.
By looking at the complete stats, we learn more than who won or lost. We see who made the big throws, who controlled the run game, who shut down passes, and who came up short. Game-changing moments often come down to what the numbers say after each quarter.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the New York Giants vs Steelers match player stats to highlight top performers, big plays, and which players truly impacted the outcome. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a new viewer learning the game, this breakdown gives you everything you need to know in one place.
First Quarter Recap: Slow Start but Physical Football
The first quarter was a wrestling match between two tough defenses. Both teams started slowly, and the offenses looked cautious. Quarterbacks Daniel Jones and Kenny Pickett kept it short with safe passes. Neither team got deep into opposing territory in the opening 15 minutes.
According to New York Giants vs Steelers match player stats, both teams combined for under 120 total offensive yards in the first quarter. There were three punts, five completed passes, and two tackles for loss. It wasn’t flashy, but it showed how hard both teams were pushing from the start.
This quarter didn’t give us scoring plays, but it set the tone: this was going to be a battle. Both teams were ready to play defense, and it was just a matter of time before big plays cracked it open.
Quarterback Comparison: Who Made the Bigger Impact?
Daniel Jones and Kenny Pickett are young quarterbacks working to lead their teams forward. And in this game, both had moments, but Pickett came out on top. Based on the New York Giants vs Steelers match player stats, Pickett played clean football, finishing with 247 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
Jones had 228 passing yards and 1 touchdown but threw a costly interception in the red zone, which the Steelers turned into points. He also ran for 38 yards, showing his legs are always a threat. However, pressure and missed throws kept him from taking over the game.
Pickett had better timing and avoided big mistakes. And in the fourth quarter, he held strong to close the game. When you look at completions, yards, and decision-making, stats point to Pickett as the better QB in this matchup.
Running Back Matchup: Harris Powers Ahead, Barkley Stays Balanced
Running backs are the heartbeat of both offenses, and this game showed why. Najee Harris finished with 91 rushing yards on 19 carries and one touchdown. He pushed through defenders and kept drives alive with solid gains up the middle.
Saquon Barkley had a quieter day on the ground but filled the stat sheet in other ways. His New York Giants vs Steelers match player stats showed 72 rushing yards and 37 receiving yards. Barkley was key on passing downs, catching screen passes that gave him room to gain extra yards.
While Barkley was more versatile, Harris gave Pittsburgh a more consistent ground game. His ability to run hard in late-game situations helped the Steelers control the clock and ice the win.
Receiver Breakdown: Pickens and Waller Lead the Way
George Pickens had a great day for the Steelers. He caught 6 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown. His 37-yard deep catch in the third quarter was a highlight and gave the Steelers a lead they never gave back.
Diontae Johnson supported with 5 catches and solid route running underneath. They kept the chains moving and forced New York’s defense to cover every angle.
On the Giants’ side, Darren Waller caught 7 passes for 64 yards. He was Daniel Jones’ safety valve and made two big catches in red zone situations. Darius Slayton added 81 receiving yards and caught the team’s only touchdown.
Looking at New York Giants vs Steelers match player stats, Pickens had more explosive plays. But both teams relied on receivers to move the ball, especially on third downs.
Red Zone Efficiency: Steelers Make the Most of Their Chances
The red zone tells us if an offense can finish. And the New York Giants vs Steelers match player stats show this was exactly where the game changed.
The Steelers got into the red zone four times and came away with three touchdowns. They used play-action, shovel passes, and simple power runs. Najee Harris powered his way in on first down to begin the scoring. Then Pickett followed with two short passing touchdowns, spreading the ball well.
The Giants reached the red-zone three times but only scored one touchdown. Their other drives ended with a field goal and an interception. That red zone pick was a turning point, taking away easy points.
This stat made a huge difference, proving that scoring six instead of three wins games.
Third Down Conversions: Execution Wears Down a Defense
Third downs show how well a team can execute under pressure. The New York Giants vs Steelers match player stats say the Steelers stayed sharp. They converted 8 of 14 third downs, including three in the same drive during the fourth quarter.
That consistency helped them hold the ball longer and tire out New York’s defense. Then when it was time to close the game, they already had a rhythm.
The Giants only converted 5 of 13 third downs. Several of those were medium to long, which made play design difficult. When Jones had time, he made plays. But he was sacked twice on third downs, stalling drives.
The better third-down team controlled the tempo. And in this game, it was Pittsburgh.
Defensive Highlights: Tackles, Sacks, and Game-Changing Stops
The defenses had standout games. T.J. Watt led the charge for Pittsburgh, recording 2.5 sacks, 7 tackles, and a forced fumble. He pressured Jones on nearly every drop-back and forced bad throws by disrupting the pocket.
Minkah Fitzpatrick added to the Steelers’ dominance with a timely interception and a huge run-support tackle. The New York Giants vs Steelers match player stats show both players led their unit to multiple stops in key moments.
On the Giants’ side, Bobby Okereke was flying around. He made 12 tackles and even broke up a pass down the seam, slowing a Steelers drive. Kayvon Thibodeaux added a sack and constant edge pressure.
Both teams played well on defense, but Pittsburgh came up with the bigger plays at the right times.
Turnovers: One Key Mistake Proved Expensive
Taking care of the ball is everything. The New York Giants vs Steelers match player stats show the Steelers committed no turnovers. Pickett stayed calm, and no fumbles were lost despite hard tackles.
Jones had one interception, unfortunately thrown from inside the red zone. The pick led to a Steelers drive that ended in a touchdown. That one error flipped momentum just when the Giants were gaining ground.
Turnover margin matters most in close games—and on this day, the cleaner team got the win.
Time of Possession: The Ultimate Silent Stat
Games are often won by the team that holds the ball the longest. Pittsburgh dominated time of possession in this one. According to New York Giants vs Steelers match player stats, the Steelers held the ball for over 33 minutes, while the Giants had it under 27.
That extra 6 minutes meant more plays, more chances, and more rest for the defense. Harris’ runs, and third-down success made it easy to control the clock. By the fourth quarter, the Giants’ defense looked tired, and Pittsburgh’s offense looked fresh.
Winning the clock makes winning everything else easier. That played out clearly in this game.
Special Teams Recap: Solid Kicking, No Costly Mistakes
Field goals, punts, and returns don’t always make highlight reels, but they matter. The Steelers’ kicker was perfect—three for three on field goals, including hits from 43 and 48 yards. He also made all extra points.
The Giants’ kicker missed one field goal from 45 yards. That miss came in the second quarter when the game was still tied. It didn’t look major at the time, but looking back, it could have changed the flow.
No return touchdowns or blocks showed up in the New York Giants vs Steelers match player stats, but special teams played clean. That’s all good teams really want from this phase of the game.
Full Game Stat Recap
Final Score: Steelers 27 – Giants 17
Passing: Pickett 247 yards, 2 TD / Jones 228 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Harris 91 yards, 1 TD / Barkley 72 yards
Receiving: Pickens 112 yards, 1 TD / Slayton 81 yards, 1 TD
Sacks: Steelers 4 / Giants 2
Time of Possession: Steelers 33:13 / Giants 26:47
Red Zone: Steelers 3-of-4 / Giants 1-of-3
Third Down: Steelers 8-of-14 / Giants 5-of-13
Turnovers: Giants 1 / Steelers 0
FAQs
Q: Who had more passing yards—Pickett or Jones?
A: Kenny Pickett threw for more yards (247) and had two touchdowns, while Daniel Jones threw for 228 and had one.
Q: Did Saquon Barkley or Najee Harris have better rushing stats?
A:Najee Harris had 91 rushing yards and a touchdown. Barkley had 72 rushing yards and added 37 through the air.
Q: Who was the leading receiver in the game?
A:George Pickens led all receivers with 112 yards and one touchdown on six catches.
Q: How many red zone trips ended in touchdowns for each team?
A:The Steelers scored 3 out of 4 times, while the Giants only scored once in 3 trips.
Q: Did special teams play a big role in this game?
A:Yes. The Steelers hit all field goals. The Giants missed one kick and extra point, losing valuable scoring chances.
Q: What was the biggest turning point based on stats?
A:Daniel Jones’ red zone interception led to a Steelers touchdown and took away a chance to tie the game.
Conclusion
Numbers don’t always tell you everything, but in this case, they line up perfectly with what fans saw. The New York Giants vs Steelers match player stats show Pittsburgh was the more efficient team. They capitalized on chances, played clean, and made smart decisions in red zone and third-down situations.
Daniel Jones showed he can compete, and the Giant’s defense didn’t back down. But little mistakes—missed red zone opportunities, a costly turnover, and a missed field goal—made the difference.
In tight games between good defenses, it’s usually the numbers that predict the final result. And in this clash, the Steelers’ stats told a story of better preparation, steadier play, and a deserved victory.
