By: G.Stryker, Twitter @SNStryker and Instagram @SNStryker
SteelerNation.com
Each and every game has a pivotal moment where victory is decided. Not always the game winning play, but a play that determines the outcome, and if it went differently, a different result could happen. So each week we will explore the exact moment of drama where the game pivots on: As the Game Turns.
After finishing the first half with a country strong touchdown by James Washington to cap a perfect two-minute drill, the Pittsburgh Steelers again started with the ball in the second half, but punted after five plays. After tackling Saquon Barkley for a loss on the 5-yard line, things seemed dire for the New York Giants as they faced a 3rd and 14 with their backs against the endzone. However, they would convert it for a first down while converting five total first downs from 3rd or 4th down opportunities.
The Giants were knocking on the door of the endzone on 2nd down and 3 from the 4-yard line. Quarterback Daniel Jones took the snap and sprinted left to avoid the pressure from Bud Dupree. Jones attempted to make a play, but Dupree was too fast and got a hand on the football as Jones released it. Instead of a possible touchdown, the ball floated like a wounded duck and found its way into defensive captain Cam Heyward’s hands, then arms, then body, as he enveloped the ball in the endzone for his first career interception.
The Giants were down 16-10 looking to close the gap or take the lead. Instead of a statement drive by the Giants that covered 19 plays, 87 yards, and nearly 9 minutes, their possession ended in futility with no points. The Steelers take the ball the other way and extend the lead to 19-10 with a 36-yard Chris Boswell field goal to ice the game. The Giants would only manage 16 points on the night, and in a game where every point counted, Cam Heyward made sure to show Steeler Nation that he is worth every penny of his new contract by turning the game in Pittsburgh’s favor.
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