Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) passes Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon (32) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Daron Cummings)
INDIANAPOLIS — Gardner Minshew got the most out of a depleted supporting cast.
The Colts’ quarterback, himself a backup, made big plays with the backup receivers. He’s got Indianapolis’ backup on play calls that could work. It was some of Minshew’s best work of the season — and perhaps his entire career.
Minchio had a career-high with three touchdown passes, Indianapolis rushed for 170 yards, and the Colts improved their playoff chances with a 30-13 win over the flabby Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday.
“We needed to win these games and we did a great job along the way.” Mincio said. “I think everyone was locked in, there was urgency, attention to detail. At this stage, it’s all about winning games, however, you have to get it done.
Minshew and the Colts (8-6) have won five of six to move from the bottom of the AFC South into playoff contention. The team is currently ranked seventh in the AFC, and will remain there when this weekend’s matches end due to a tiebreaker.
They wouldn’t be in this spot without Minshew, who replaced injured rookie Anthony Richardson in Week 5. His right arm is injured. Jonathan Taylor (right thumb), the 2021 NFL running back, also did not play.
The Steelers (7-7) lost their third straight and fell to last place in the rugged AFC North, jeopardizing coach Mike Tomlin’s run of 16 straight seasons at .500 or better.
Pittsburgh took an early 13-0 lead behind backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who made his second start in place of the injured Kenny Pickett. But by late in the fourth quarter, the Colts had scored 30 straight points and third baseman Mason Rudolph was throwing passes for the Steelers.
“Let’s be honest, we’re a fundamentally poor football team at the moment.” Tomlin said. “We are playing losing football and I own that. I don’t necessarily have the answers today. If I did, we would have played differently today. But I will admit that things will not continue as they are now.”
Trubisky was 16 of 23 for 169 yards with one TD pass and two interceptions. Pittsburgh rushed for 74 yards and finished with 216 total yards.
The Steelers got off to a promising start when a replay review changed a Trubisky fumble into a 1-yard TD run. Chris Boswell missed the extra point attempt. Six plays later, Pittsburgh took advantage of a blocked penalty when Trubisky threw a 4-yard TD pass to Diontae Johnson early in the second quarter.
But Indy’s defense toughened up from there, and the Colts took control when Minshew and Moss connected on a 16-yard TD pass and DJ Montgomery caught a 14-yard TD pass with 22 seconds left in the first half for a 14-13 lead. Montgomery was promoted from the practice squad this week.
“He’s been doing his best on the scout team all year, he’s played role after role.” Colts coach Shane Steichen said. “It’s like we have to put this guy on the active roster.”
Pittsburgh’s downward spiral continued when Najee Harris fumbled the Steelers’ first play of the second half. On the next snap, Minshew threw an 18-yard pass to Mo Alie-Cox to make it 21-13. The Colts sealed the win on three field goals by Matt Gay.
Trey Sermon ran 17 times for 88 yards to lead the Colts after scoring just 11 times this season.
“I think any time you lose good players like that, no one is going to step in and replace them.” Mincio said. “I think everyone has to step up their game and I think we got that from a lot of different areas today.”
Scary moment
Lucas Oil Stadium went silent when Steelers safety Damontae Kazee fired his shoulder at Pittman as the receiver attempted a diving catch. The Colts later said Pittman suffered a concussion. Kazi was sent off for the hit which also resulted in a penalty kick.
Colts players immediately rushed to see if Pittman was OK and some players from both teams knelt down as coaches worked on Pittman. The fans covered their eyes and looked on anxiously before Pittman got up and walked off the field.
Injury report
Steelers: S Minkah Fitzpatrick did not return after injuring his left knee in the second quarter.
Colts: Moss did not return after getting hurt on a scoring play. He broke the same arm during the preseason. DT Eric Johnson II left the second half with an apparent lower-body injury.
In numbers
Steelers: Lost for the first time at Lucas Oil Stadium as their eight-game winning streak in the series ended. … Johnson led the Steelers with four catches for 67 yards. George Pickens caught three balls for 47 yards.
Colts: Tyler Goodson had 11 carries for 69 yards. Indy had 14 straight rushes during one second-half series. … The Colts had three sacks, giving them 45 sacks this season — two short of the new franchise record for a single season.
the next
Steelers: Host rival Cincinnati next Saturday.
Colts: At Atlanta on Sunday, December 24.
In a stunning upset, the Indianapolis Colts handed the struggling Pittsburgh Steelers their third consecutive loss with a dominating 30-13 victory. The Colts capitalized on the Steelers’ recent struggles, showcasing their prowess on both offense and defense to secure the win. With this defeat, the Steelers’ losing streak has now been extended, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike. This latest development in the NFL has sparked discussions and analysis across the sports community, as the Colts continue to make strides in their season while the Steelers face mounting challenges.