With the 2025 season approaching, Steelers.com is revisiting past games against their opponents. This edition focuses on a match against the Indianapolis Colts.
On November 29, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 24-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts during Monday Night Football. Despite the win, Coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged areas needing improvement, particularly in kickoff coverage.
“We’ve got a lot of work on, but we were good enough tonight to secure victory and for that we are thankful,” said Tomlin. He emphasized the need for better performance from the kickoff units: “I thought our kickoff units got to be better… The field positioning was a negative in that aspect of the game.”
The issue became apparent when Dallis Flowers returned a kickoff 89 yards to set up a Colts touchdown early in the second half. The Colts briefly took a 17-16 lead before the Steelers regained control.
Tomlin identified kickoff coverage as pivotal: “It’s the natural ebb and flow of football. They got momentum with that kickoff.”
Despite struggles in special teams, Pittsburgh’s run game compensated. With running backs Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris sidelined due to injuries, Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland stepped up. Snell recorded 62 rushing yards and a touchdown while McFarland contributed with 30 rushing yards.
“I’m just appreciative of both guys effort,” said Tomlin regarding Snell and McFarland’s contributions.
Linebacker Alex Highsmith made a crucial play late in the game by sacking Colts quarterback Matt Ryan, which helped secure Pittsburgh’s win. Highsmith noted challenges faced by their defense: “I feel like they came out and were able to establish the run… We just can’t ease up in that aspect.”
The Steelers aim to address these issues as they prepare for future contests.
