A relatively complicated game for the defending champs New York Giants that host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Metlife Stadium.
The opening period is an observation round, 3 & out for both teams. Isaac Redman is the starting running back for Pittsburgh, he's the big guy of this 1st quarter.
On a 1st & 10 to reach the middle of the field, Giants' passer is picked off by Ike Taylor.
Following Manning's interception, the Steelers will score the first touchdown of the game as Ben Roethlisberger finds his receiver Emmanuel Sanders in the back of the end zone for 6 points (photo 1).
About 3 minutes elapsed in the second quarter, Pittsburgh leads 7-0.
On the following offensive drive, New York is in position to tie the game up. On a 3rd & goal at PIT 2, Eli Manning scrambles on his left to buy time in order to find a target in the end zone, in the hurry, he throws but he's almost intercepted for the second time of the game by Steelers' defensive back Ike Taylor leaving the G men on 4th & goal but this play is nullified by a Pittsburgh's penalty after the play which gives an automatic first down to New York, 1 yard shy before the end zone.
Just one play will be necassary for the Giants to score their first touchdown by tailback Andre Brown who ties the game up as the score is 7-7
On the next drive for the Steelers on a 2nd & 5, while his throw, Roethlisberger's arm is touched making him lose control of the football which is recovered by Giant Michael Boley who (photo 2) returns it for a touchdown that gives back the lead to New York as the score is now 7-14 with 5.11 to go in first half.
Pittsburgh will score a 30-yard field goal to end the first half.
At halftime the score is 14-10 Giants.
On their first drive of the second half the Giants are unable to score more than a 50-yard field goal by Lawrence Tynes, 17-10 Giants. The following drive for the Steelers will see their passer picked off by Giants' cornerback Corey Webster (photo 3).
Following the interception New york is stopped inside the 5 and Lawrence Tynes (photo 4) has to kick another field goal for a 23-yard distance, New York leads 20 to 10.
Pittsburgh is down by 10 points.
On a 2nd & 10 Steelers' wideout Mike Wallace (photo 5, 6, 7)catches a pass at midfield then, using his speed, crosses first the field from left to right then runs along the sideline to finally reach the end zone allowing his team to come back in the game reducing Pittsburgh's deficit to simply a field goal as the score is now 20-17 for the G men.
After a 3 & out by New York, on the punt return, from his own 24, Emmanuel Sanders nearly scores a touchdown as he's pushed out of bounds by kicker Steve Weaterford at New York 12, giving his team an amazing field position.
The Giants will perform a goal line stand forcing the Steelers to kick a field goal but, on a field goal formation, Pittsburgh's kicker tries to fake New York's defense as he keeps the ball and tries to reach the first down marker.
Unfortunately for the Steelers, Suisham is tackled by Giants' defense.
The Giants are back on offense but in the danger zone as the G men start their drive from their own 4-yard line.
They won't go out the trap. On a 3rd & 9, Eli Manning will complete his first 3rd down pass attempt of the game to his tight end Martellus Bennett who's tackled far from the first down. A 3rd straight 3 & out which could be problematic as the Steelers could retake the lead with a touchdown.
The steelers won't miss the occasion as Isaac Redman scores a 2-yard touchdown (Photo 8), giving the advantage back to Pittsburgh as the score is now 24-20 pittsburgh
The G men have to score a touchdown as a field goal is not enough, they have to hurry because time's still running as it remains 3.55 in regulation.
Started from their 12, their won't be able to get any first down.
Pittsburgh wins this game on a 24-20 score, allowing the Steelers to stay in touch for the lead in the AFC North.
