In a completely convincing and controlling victory, the Pittsburgh Steelers ended the New York Giants six game win streak with a 24-14 victory at home. After two expected wins, the question was if the Steelers could defeat a playoff quality opponent. They not only got this, but got it in a team that is strong where the Steelers are weak. The Giants have one of the strongest receiving corps in the game, with arguably one of the best receivers in the league, Odell Beckham Jr. The Steelers were able to contain Beckham and win their third straight.
Pittsburgh Steelers Week 13 Takeaways
The Steelers used an inspired defensive effort, along with a breakout game from Ladarius Green and another outstanding performance by Le’Veon Bell. This game proved the Steelers are able to control the ball against quality opponents. It also proved that the defense is improving, and no one wants to have to play Pittsburgh in the playoffs.
Ladarius Green Finally Breaks Out
When the Steelers acquired Ladarius Green in the off season, expectations were high. Green was set to replace the long time fan favorite Heath Miller at tight end for Pittsburgh after his retirement. However, injuries kept Green sidelined for the beginning of the year, postponing his debut. In his first game as a featured weapon in the offense, Green made the most of it. Green hauled in six receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown. This amounts to a whopping 18.3 yards per reception. Green stepped up and lived up to the long awaiting expectations of the off season.
Le’Veon Bell Continues to Dominate
As has been the case the past few weeks, Le’Veon Bell took over. Bell has been the main contributor to the Steelers’ game plan of controlling the ball. Pittsburgh held the ball for 34 minutes and eight seconds, keeping the Giants off the field and taking their time with the ball. Bell rushed for over 100 yards yet again, using the calculated and methodical running style that works just like the Steelers offense. Even in this drawn out approach, the speedy Antonio Brown has found ways to find the end zone. Brown had yet another touchdown catch this week.
Defense Surprises and Comes Up Big
In the surprise of the game, the Steelers defense came up huge. It cannot be overstated how important this was. The defense has been the major question mark all season, and on Sunday they proved themselves. The usually sub par secondary held Odell Beckham Jr. to just 10 yards in the first half, keeping the star from establishing himself in the game. Corner Ross Cockrell even had Beckham frustrated by the third quarter, arguing with the official for a pass interference call almost every time the ball came his way.
The main story defensively was rookie safety Sean Davis. We have watched Artie Burns develop throughout the season, and this week Davis stepped up. Along with tying for the team lead in tackles Sunday, Davis added his first career interception. Davis intercepted Giants quarterback Eli Manning early in the fourth quarter on a fourth down effort to stay in the game. Davis has been developing all season, and many parallels can be drawn between Davis and the Steelers defensive unit. Both will need to continue to develop if the Steelers want to make another run at the Super Bowl.
This week was a big one. The league now can see that a change of pace has gotten the Steelers back on track to the playoffs. Next week has the potential to be a let down however. The Steelers are back on the road in Buffalo. The defense has struggled on the road against mobile quarterbacks in the past (ex: Tim Tebow, Terrelle Pryor, etc.) Now is the time to pick up focus and momentum as a huge match up for the division against Baltimore approaches.
