Instant Analysis: Giants fall to Steelers, 26-18

WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE DEFENSE

Three cornerbacks appeared on the Giants’ final injury report of the week, and two were eventually ruled out. Adoree’ Jackson (neck) missed his second straight game. Cor’Dale Flott, who started last week vs. Philadelphia but left the game with an injured groin, was also inactive. Meanwhile, Tre Hawkins III (ankle) suited up after being listed as questionable.

That left just Deonte Banks, Nick McCloud, and rookie Dru Phillips (nickel) as the only healthy cornerbacks entering Week 8. The Giants also elevated veteran Greg Stroman, who saw extensive time opposite McCloud in the second half.

Despite playing in the final game of the week, the Giants still entered Monday night as the NFL’s leader in sacks. Dexter Lawrence held the same honor individually as he seeks to become just the fourth interior lineman to win the sack title and possibly break Aaron Donald’s record of 20.5 in that category. The Giants added three to their tally in Pittsburgh thanks to Azeez Ojulari (2.0) and Brian Burns (1.0).

Ojulari notched his fifth sack in three games (sixth of the season) while replacing the injured Kayvon Thibodeaux. Burns now has a sack in four consecutive games.

Linebacker Bobby Okereke breathed late life into the Giants with a forced fumble and recovery on a Russell Wilson scramble. Down 26-18, the Giants took over at the Steelers 37 with 4:30 remaining in the game.

The Giants allowed 269 rushing yards last week, their most since 2014. The Steelers picked up where the Eagles left off and ran for 81 yards on nine carries in the first quarter alone. Pittsburgh finished with 167 yards on 31 rushes (5.4 yards per carry).

The Steelers moved the ball, but the Giants held them out of the end zone on all four of their trips inside the 20-yard line.

WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT SPECIAL TEAMS

The Steelers scored the first touchdown of the game on a 73-yard punt return by Calvin Austin III with 4:38 left in the third quarter.

Greg Joseph made all four of his field goal attempts from 29, 39, 44, and 48 yards.

Left-footed punter Jamie Gillan missed his third consecutive game with a hamstring injury on his kicking leg.

NYG: RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (shoulder)

NYG: P Jamie Gillan (left hamstring), CB Adoree’ Jackson (neck), CB Cor’Dale Flott (groin), LB Ty Summers (ankle), G Jake Kubas, DL Jordon Riley, QB Tommy DeVito (emergency 3^rd QB)

PIT: CB C.J. Henderson, OLB Nick Herbig (hamstring), C Zach Frazier (ankle), RB Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle), QB Justin Fields (hamstring/emergency 3^rd QB)

NYG: OLB Tomon Fox, DB Greg Stroman (standard elevations from practice squad)

PIT: WR Roman Wilson (placed on Reserve/Injured), RB Jonathan Ward (signed from practice squad), WR Brandon Johnson (standard elevation from practice squad), RB Aaron Shampklin (released)