Tonight the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants are headlining “Monday Night Football.” The new duo for the Steelers, Russell Wilson and George Pickens, are picking up where they left off last week. Only problem is that their connections aren’t ending in points – and it’s not their fault.
In the Steelers’ opening drive, Wilson found Pickens in the end zone to take a 7-0. Or at least that’s what fans thought until they saw the flag on the field – offensive facemask. The Steelers settled with a field goal.
GEORGE PICKENS TOUCHDOWN PASS CALLED BACK BECAUSE OF A FACEMASK ON THE STEELERS pic.twitter.com/HScIEmWHCT
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) October 29, 2024
If that wasn’t upsetting enough for fans of the black and yellow, another touchdown connection was called back in the second quarter.
Wilson found Pickens once again in the end zone. This time Pickens ate a hard hit on his way down from making the catch. The young receiver was able to maintain possession of the ball and kept both feet in – kind of?
George Pickens’ touchdown was taken away as he was ruled out of bounds for not getting his second foot down.
The Steelers tried to challenge it, which was already reviewed by the booth but it was declined and they were charged with a timeout.
Thoughts?pic.twitter.com/wXS5lrCW5d
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 29, 2024
It looks like the NFL has another “catch” controversy tonight.
After further review, the officials overturned the TD and explained that Pickens did not get “both feet down.” Only Pickens’ right foot touched the field twice.
Thoughts? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/VFXh6U86hq
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) October 29, 2024
The ruling confused fans since Pickens’ (right) foot remained in bounds. Unfortunately for the Steelers this is not college football where all you need is one foot to make a “catch.”
Oof, NFL rulebook says “both feet” not “two feet.” And I don’t think it meant both of George Pickens’ right feet. pic.twitter.com/nPnsGVTrLD
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) October 29, 2024
The Steelers aren’t the only ones getting points taken off the board. The Giants’ touchdown was taken away as well because rookie WR Malik Nabers was not set. Instead both teams have been exchanging field goals in the first half due to penalties. It is 9-9 going into the second half.
Daniel Jones throws to Chris Manhertz for a Giants touchdown, but it is called back.
Malik Nabers called for illegal motion as he went into motion and never stopped before the ball was snapped. pic.twitter.com/yNVO6LlYvU
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) October 29, 2024
For the Giants’ duo, Daniel Jones has gone 11/16 for 141 yards while Nabers has two receptions for 15 yards. Wilson is 11/18 for 131 yards and Pickens has two catches for 25 yards.
