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Giants slip by Steelers in preseason opener

Aug 11, 2013 - 2:56 AM Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Victor Cruz hauled in a 57-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning in the New York Giants' 18-13 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the preseason opener for both teams.

The former undrafted free-agent Cruz, who led the Giants in receptions (86), receiving yards (1,092) and touchdown grabs (10) in 2012, signed a five-year contract extension during the offseason.

Eli Manning was 2-of-5 for 73 yards for the Giants, whose 9-7 mark a year ago wasn't good enough to make the postseason. David Wilson carried the ball five times for 16 yards in the triumph.

Ben Roethlisberger completed 4-of-8 passes for 36 yards for Pittsburgh, which has moved on from former Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison and veteran nose tackle Casey Hampton to go along with two of the team's younger playmakers, wide receiver Mike Wallace and cornerback Keenan Lewis, who jetted in free agency to Miami and New Orleans, respectively.

LaRod Stephens-Howling picked up 40 yards on the ground on seven carries in defeat.

The Steelers missed the postseason for the first time since 2009 a year ago.

The teams traded field goals before Manning found Cruz deep the seam later in the frame for the 57-yard score and a 10-3 Giants advantage.

Shaun Suisham and Josh Brown again exchanged field goals in the second and a safety in the third quarter gave New York a 15-6 advantage.

Adrian Robinson recovered a fumble in the end zone for Pittsburgh in the fourth to trim the deficit to 15-13.

Brown booted through a field goal later in the quarter to make it 18-13 and the Steelers were unable to convert a 4-and-20 near midfield with 1:04 remaining to seal the outcome.