The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 27-20 victory over the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium, improving their record to 5-3 and maintaining their lead in the AFC North Division. The game was played in front of members of the Steelers’ Super Bowl XL championship team.
The Steelers focused on defense, using a 4-3 alignment to limit Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, who leads the league in rushing. They intercepted three passes, forced two fumbles, and recorded five sacks. In total, Pittsburgh’s defense created six turnovers.
“Can’t say enough about the defense’s effort to minimize the runner,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin regarding his team’s strategy against Taylor. “I don’t think you slow that group down unless you minimize the runner, and we were able to do that, and I think that’s why we were able to get them in some one dimensional circumstances, create some pressure, get some sacks and the turnovers that go along with that. But it started with minimizing their dynamic runner, and he is that. He’s dynamic.”
The Colts entered the game with an NFL-best 7-1 record and led the league in both total scoring and offense but struggled against a determined Steelers squad looking to end a two-game losing streak.
“It was a tough week, but we certainly deserved it based on the last performance,” Tomlin said. “I like the way the guys absorbed it, smiled in the face of it, and prepared and waited for the next opportunity. That’s the National Football League, man. You get one shot about every seven days, and sometimes you got to wear it. We certainly wore it this week.”
Indianapolis scored first with a short touchdown run by quarterback Daniel Jones after converting two fourth-and-1 plays on their opening drive. The Steelers responded when T.J. Watt sacked Jones and recovered his fumble at midfield; Jaylen Warren finished off that possession with a one-yard touchdown run.
Tomlin described Watt’s play as crucial: “It was everything,” Tomlin said of Watt’s play. “We were running on the beach offensively. We needed a short field, and like all great players do, he provided it when we needed it most.”
Pittsburgh quickly capitalized again after Peyton Wilson intercepted Jones under pressure from Alex Highsmith; Aaron Rodgers threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Pat Freiermuth for a 14-7 lead late in the second quarter.
A Chris Boswell field goal extended Pittsburgh’s advantage before halftime to 17-7 following another lengthy drive aided by key completions from Rodgers.
Early in the fourth quarter Jack Sawyer intercepted another pass deflected by Payton Wilson; Warren scored again for Pittsburgh shortly after for a commanding 24-7 lead.
“Man, the sun’s always shining on Jack Sawyer.” Tomlin said with a chuckle. “He’s a five star.”
Although Indianapolis closed within ten points after Michael Badgley’s long field goal and later added another touchdown pass from Jones to Josh Downs late in regulation, Joey Porter Jr.’s interception ended any comeback hopes for Indianapolis.
“I just got to acknowledge that ’05 team,” Tomlin said. “It was really good to see them. It’s really good to perform for them this weekend. Man, they are deserving of that. I know a lot of those men and worked with a lot of those men. Man, they’re a special group, and I hope that they had a great, great time fellowshipping and reminiscing and doing the things that come with these type weekends. But certainly, that was a significant play by Joey. We had a lot of significant plays and a lot of contributions from a lot of people.”
Pittsburgh now holds an 18-2 record against Indianapolis in games played at home including playoffs.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 25 out of 35 passes for 203 yards with one touchdown while avoiding turnovers; Calvin Austin III led receivers with five catches for 56 yards.
Defensively Peyton Wilson registered thirteen tackles along with his interception while Highsmith contributed two sacks plus another forced fumble.
When asked if his defense has turned things around this season Tomlin replied: “We keep writing that story,” he said. “We responded today. See you next week.”
