Russell Wilson doesn’t mince words and he didn’t this time either. It isn’t a problem for the Pittsburgh Steelers to win ugly. They enjoy pulling together to win despite the obstacles. This is just what they accomplished on Monday Night Football, defeating the New York Giants 26–18 to take the lead in the AFC North.
In the game against the annoying Giants, Pittsburgh only managed one offensive touchdown. But they had almost two. In the second quarter, wide receiver George Pickens seemed to make a spectacular leaping catch to secure a 9-yard score.
Pickens, however, double-tapped his right foot but never dragged his left foot across the grass, according to the video study. He failed to get both feet down, therefore the pass on the third-and-goal was considered incomplete.
George Pickens just learned that two feet down doesn’t account for two right feet
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 29, 2024
The Steelers grabbed a 9–6 lead after settling for a 25-yard field goal on the drive. However, the decision allowed the Giants to force OT on their last drive and helped keep them in the game.
Russell Wilson, the quarterback, talked about the quirky play after the game. He acknowledged that if Pickens’ technique had been permitted, the outcome probably would have been different, but he wasn’t sure if it should have been enough for a touchdown.
“That’s an interesting rule… we thought maybe he had dragged his toe, maybe got it down… getting two [right feet] maybe should count, but I don’t know… it really would have broken out the game early on for us.”
Unfortunately, Pickens has lost a lot of huge plays and touchdowns in 2024. On Pittsburgh’s first possession, he also seemed to score a touchdown, but a facemask penalty disallowed it.
The third-year receiver has already racked up 35 receptions, 548 yards, and one touchdown in eight weeks. Wilson completed 71.4% of his throws (20/28) for 278 yards and one score in his second start of the season. In each of his two games, Pittsburgh’s offense has amassed more than 4,000 total yards.
The Steelers appear to be a serious Super Bowl contender going into their Week 9 bye thanks to their unexpected rise and their dominant defense.
