Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts linebacker AJ Speed (45) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy )
By Michael Marott AP Sports Writer
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Gardner Minshew threw three touchdown passes and the Indianapolis Colts rushed for 170 yards, improving their playoff chances with a 30-13 victory over the flabby Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday.
Minshew was 18 of 28 for 215 yards and set a career-high in TD passes while leading a Colts offense that lacked its usual group of playmakers. Leading receiver Michael Pittman Jr. left the game with a concussion, leading rusher Zach Moss left with a right arm injury, and former 2021 rushing champion Jonathan Taylor (right thumb) did not play.
The Colts (8-6) have won five of six and temporarily take a half-game lead ahead of three teams for the seventh and final spot in the AFC playoffs. 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, but by late in the fourth quarter, the Colts had scored 30 straight points and third baseman Mason Rudolph was dishing passes for the Steelers.
Trey Sermon ran 17 times for 88 yards to lead the Colts after scoring just 11 times this season. Pittman finished with four receptions for 78 yards, giving him 99 catches and the second 1,000-yard season of his career.
Trubisky went 16 of 23 for 169 yards with one TD pass and two interceptions in another ugly offensive effort for Pittsburgh, which had just 74 yards rushing 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 capitalized on a blocked penalty when Trubisky threw a 4-yard TD pass to Deontae Johnson for a 13-0 lead early in the second quarter.
But Indy’s defense shut down the rest of the game, 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 to set up. 14-13.
The Colts immediately turned a Najee Harris fumble into an 18-yard Minshew pass to Mo Alie-Cox for an 18-yard score for a 21-13 lead early in the second half. Indy sealed the win on three field goals by Matt Gay.
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. S Trenton Thompson returned after sitting briefly with the Stingers in the second half.
Colts: Taylor missed his third straight game since undergoing surgery and Moss was injured while scoring. no longer. Moss broke the same arm during the preseason. DT Eric Johnson II also 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. … The Colts had three sacks, giving them 45 sacks this season — two short of breaking the franchise record for a single season.
the next
Steelers: Host rival Cincinnati next Saturday.
Colts: At Atlanta on Sunday, December 24.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers’ hopes of advancing in the playoffs took a major hit with a disappointing 30-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Despite strong performances in the regular season, the Steelers couldn’t find their footing in this crucial match, ultimately succumbing to their opponents. This defeat not only affects the team’s playoff aspirations, but also raises questions about their ability to perform under pressure. As the city grapples with this setback, fans and analysts alike are left wondering what the future holds for the Steelers as they attempt to bounce back from this defeat.