Multiple miscues from the Pittsburgh Steelers coupled with one big play from the Giants was all New York needed in an 18-13 victory in each team’s first preseason game of the 2013 season.
The first of many mistakes from Pittsburgh came on the team’s first drive. Forced to punt, Giants’ rookie Damontre Moore flew in to block Drew Butler’s punt. New York recovered it and returned to the Steelers’ five. The Steelers’ defense would hold the Giants to a field goal, however, for the first points of the game.
Multiple penalties on special teams, a fumbled punt return by wide receiver David Gilreath, and JD Woods returning a kick from deep in his end zone made for a rough coaching debut from Danny Smith.
Ben Roethlisberger and the first team offense responded by marching down to the Giants 20. Big Ben nearly hooked up with Antonio Brown on a back-shoulder fade in the end zone but the receiver wasn’t able to get both feet inbounds. Two plays later, Shaun Suisham’s toe tied the game at 3 with a 34 yard field goal. On the drive, LaRod Stephens-Howling recorded 27 yards on five rushes. The former Cardinal finished the day with 40 yards on seven totes, getting extra playing time with the late announcement of Le’Veon Bell sitting out the game with a sore knee.
That was the end of the day for the Steelers’ most of the Steelers’ first team skill positions and Maurkice Pouncey. Roethlisberger finished the night 4/8 for 36 yards.
The biggest offensive play of the game came on the Giants’ following series. Eli Manning hooked up with Victor Cruz down the seam, who salsa-ed his way to the end zone on a 57 yard catch, giving the Giants a 10-3 lead.
The Steelers made it a 10-6 game early in the second quarter with Suisham splitting the uprights on a 41 yard field goal.
Two Jason Worilds’ personal fouls in three plays let the Giants’ Josh Brown nail a 30 yard field goal to round out the first half scoring with New York leading 13-6.
Rookie quarterback Landry Jones had what will be an unforgettable start to his career, despite his likely best efforts. Backed up near his own goalline in the 3rd quarter, Jones’ first career snap ended in a collision and fumble between him and running back Baron Batch. Jones was touched for a safety. He did bounce back somewhat however, finishing the day 5/9 for 48 yards.
Giants’ rookie QB Ryan Nassib faced a similar inauspicious start with a snap flying over his head early in the 4th. Outside linebacker Adrian Robinson pounced on it for the first and only Steelers’ touchdown of the night. The Giants lead cut to 15-13.
Pittsburgh would not come any closer. New York finished with another field goal from Josh Brown. Pittsburgh attempted to come back, but a patch work second-string line forced the Steelers into a 4th and 20 with a minute to go. John Parker Wilson’s heave fell to the ground.
First round pick Jarvis Jones played with the second team, having a good showing and finishing with two tackles.
Defensive end Al Woods led the charge with nine tackles and a sack.
Rookie Justin Brown led all receivers with four catches and had a team high 32 yards.
Stay tuned through the next few days for in-depth analysis of the game.
