Steelers Giants Deadlocked 9-9 at Half

Steelers Giants Deadlocked 9-9 at Half

 

By halftime, both teams were deadlocked at 9-9. Despite impressive offensive yardage, neither team had managed to score a touchdown that counted. Instead, six field goals dominated the first half, leaving fans eager for more action in the second half. Steelers Giants Deadlocked 9-9 at Half

Field Goals Define the First Half

The Giants and Steelers’ offenses both had moments of brilliance but could not capitalize in the red zone. Both teams found themselves settling for field goals after falling short of the end zone.

Meanwhile, Giants kicker Greg Joseph nailed field goals from 29, 39, and 44 yards. These kicks were the only points added to the scoreboard in the first half.

Touchdowns That Didn’t Count

Although the scoreboard showed a 9-9 tie, touchdowns were scored but did not count. The Steelers appeared to score early in the game.  This penalty erased the Steelers’ first potential touchdown with 11:35 remaining in the first quarter.

Later in the second quarter, the Giants also had a touchdown reversed. Quarterback Daniel Jones connected with Chris Manhertz for a 16-yard score, but the play was nullified due to an illegal shift penalty on Malik Nabers. These penalties frustrated both teams, keeping the game closer than it might have been.

Steelers’ Reversed Touchdown: Controversy in the End Zone

The Steelers thought they had another touchdown with George Pickens late in the second quarter. Pickens made an acrobatic catch, with his right foot landing twice in the end zone. However, his left foot never touched inbounds. Giants’ defensive back Deonte Banks shoved Pickens out of the back of the end zone, and though the referees initially called it a touchdown, replay assist reversed the decision.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, clearly frustrated by the call, threw his red challenge flag despite the play being automatically reviewed.

Quarterback Performances

Both quarterbacks showed flashes of their skill in the first half but couldn’t translate it into touchdowns.  Wilson’s efforts helped move the Steelers down the field, but the red zone struggles were glaring.

On the Giants’ side, Daniel Jones had a solid first half, completing 11 of 16 passes for 141 yards. His top target was Darius Slayton, who caught three passes for 90 yards. Despite their productivity, the Giants’ offense also faltered when it mattered most—inside the red zone.

Red Zone Struggles: A Shared Issue

A key theme in the first half was both teams’ inability to convert red zone opportunities into touchdowns. These struggles prevented either team from gaining a clear advantage in the game.

Pittsburgh’s red zone troubles began with the nullified touchdown in the first quarter and continued with the reversed touchdown call in the second quarter. For the Giants, penalties erased what could have been game-changing plays, leaving both teams reliant on their kickers.

Giants’ Offense: Slayton Shines

While the Giants couldn’t get into the end zone, Darius Slayton was a bright spot for their offense. Slayton made three key receptions for a total of 90 yards, helping to keep drives alive. His ability to stretch the field put pressure on the Steelers’ secondary, though the Giants failed to capitalize.

Daniel Jones looked sharp when targeting Slayton, but other receivers failed to make the same impact. If the Giants want to break through in the second half, finding ways to utilize Slayton’s big-play ability will be crucial.

Steelers’ Ground Game: Harris Dominates

For the Steelers, Najee Harris proved to be a workhorse in the first half. Harris rushed for 82 yards on just 10 carries, averaging over eight yards per carry. His powerful runs helped the Steelers control the tempo, but like the passing game, the Steelers’ offense couldn’t finish in the red zone.

Harris consistently gained yardage on early downs, putting Pittsburgh in favorable situations. However, penalties and poor execution in key moments stalled their drives, forcing the Steelers to settle for field goals.

Defensive Standouts

Both defenses played a crucial role in keeping the game tied at halftime. The Giants’ secondary, led by Deonte Banks, was instrumental in breaking up several key plays. Banks’ shove that reversed Pickens’ touchdown showed his awareness in critical moments.

What to Expect in the Second Half

With the game tied 9-9, the second half is shaping up to be an intense battle. Both teams will likely emphasize the importance of converting red zone opportunities into touchdowns. The kicking game may continue to play a major role, but fans are hoping to see more touchdowns that count.

The Steelers may look to get Najee Harris more involved, as his first-half performance showed he can dominate the ground game. On the Giants’ side, Darius Slayton could be the key to breaking the game open, given his success in the first half.

Conclusion: A Game of Missed Opportunities

At halftime, the Giants and Steelers are tied 9-9 in a game defined by missed opportunities. Both teams have had touchdowns called back due to penalties or reversals, leaving fans waiting for a breakthrough in the second half. With strong performances from players like Najee Harris and Darius Slayton, the potential for a thrilling finish is there—if either team can overcome their red zone struggles.