The Steelers saw their three-week stretch of games with a blocked staircase came to an end Monday night against the Giants, but they found another way to impact the special teams game.

Calvin Austin broke a 9-9 tie with a 73-yard punt return touchdown in the third quarter, propelling the Steelers to a 26-18 home victory. After the game, Tomlin called Austin’s play a “catalyst” for the entire team and gave credit to Austin’s blockers while talking about the value the team places on making big plays in the kicking game.

“Are a legitimate phase of the game for us,” Tomlin said. “We give it that respect, not just in words, but in our approach and in the way we work. The boys are making it happen with their efforts.”

The Steelers showed it a more explosive offense Since turning to Russell Wilson at quarterback and combining that with a strong defense and opportunistic special teams units, this seems like a good formula for continued success in Pittsburgh.