INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Gardner Minshew is getting the most out of a depleted supporting cast.
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.
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They wouldn’t be in this spot without Minshew, who replaced injured rookie Anthony Richardson in Week 5. On Saturday, Minshew went 18 of 28 with 215 yards despite losing his No. 1 receiver. Michael Pittman Jr. suffered a concussion Top edge rusher Zach Moss is on his injured right arm. 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 basically a poor football team right now,” 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 subsequent plays, 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 just gone play by play,” 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.
“I think any time you lose good players like this, no one will 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.”
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.
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.
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.
Steelers: Host rival Cincinnati next Saturday.
Colts: At Atlanta on Sunday, December 24.
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In a dramatic game on Sunday, Gardner Minshew and the Indianapolis Colts secured a crucial victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers, greatly boosting their playoff chances. The quarterback’s outstanding performance, along with a strong defensive effort, led the Colts to a commanding 30-13 win over their formidable opponents. With this pivotal triumph, the Colts have positioned themselves as strong contenders for a spot in the playoffs, and Minshew’s exceptional play has undoubtedly propelled the team towards their postseason goals.