Things shifted dramatically with 4:38 remaining in the third quarter when Calvin Austin III of the Steelers broke free on a Giants punt, sprinting 73 yards down the sideline for a touchdown. Austin wasn’t finished yet; on Pittsburgh’s next drive early in the fourth quarter, he snagged a 29-yard reception from quarterback Russell Wilson, extending the Steelers’ lead to 14 points.

According to NFL stats, Austin III became only the second player in three seasons to achieve both receiving and punt return touchdowns in the same game, joining Kalif Raymond of the Detroit Lions, who accomplished the feat just a day prior against the Tennessee Titans.

Post-game, linebacker Alex Highsmith lauded Austin’s commitment and readiness. “I told him it was just a matter of time before he scored. He’s always working hard, staying humble, and it’s great to see his efforts rewarded with those two touchdowns, especially the punt return. It’s a big moment for him, and he’s an incredible player,” Highsmith said.

The Giants, however, weren’t ready to back down. Rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. showcased his talent with a stunning 45-yard touchdown run just under two minutes later. Despite the excitement, New York faltered on a two-point conversion attempt, leaving quarterback Daniel Jones visibly frustrated as confusion reigned on the field.

When Wilson fumbled the ball at his own 34-yard line, the Giants saw a golden opportunity to shift momentum. But Jones mirrored that misstep shortly after, losing the ball on a strip sack by Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt, who also recovered the fumble, thwarting New York’s chances.

The Giants’ defense managed to force a final punt, giving them one last shot. However, Jones was intercepted by Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr.—his third pick in two games—sealing the win for Pittsburgh.

This victory marks the second consecutive win for the Steelers with Wilson under center, as he completed 20 of 28 passes for 278 yards and a touchdown. Running back Najee Harris also shined, rushing for 114 yards on 19 carries.

With the win, the Steelers improve to 6-2 and head into their bye week riding a three-game win streak atop the AFC North.

Despite the success, Watt emphasized the need for continued improvement. “We can’t be satisfied. There are areas we need to address, like not allowing that 48-yard touchdown. The bye week isn’t a vacation for us; we need to sharpen our skills and keep pushing to improve,” he stated.

The Giants, now 2-6, will look to regroup as they face the revitalized Washington Commanders in Week 9.