Colts Outclassed In Pittsburgh Once Again in Loss to Steelers

PITTSBURGH — The Indianapolis Colts (2-3) haven't won on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) since 2008; six tries. That streak continued on Sunday as they fell to the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium, 34-22.

Whether it was the Colts offense's difficulty getting to the red zone or their inability to punch it in when they were there (1-of-3), or the defense's regression when it comes to tackling, the Colts were outclassed by quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers.

Here's how it all unfolded.

The Colts won the coin toss and deferred to receive the kickoff until the second half. Their confidence quickly paid off forcing a three-and-out punt on a drive that netted -15 yards.

The Colts' offense rewarded their defense's stop with a 57-yard field goal from Spencer Shrader that gave the Colts an early 3-0 lead with 8:57 remaining in the first quarter.

The confidence of the Colts' defense was quickly swatted. Although defensive tackle Grover Stewart came through unblocked and leveled Rodgers, Rodgers' shallow throw to the right side went for an 80-yard catch-and-run touchdown, as linebacker Bryce Boettcher took a poor angle and cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. didn't get off a block. The score gave Pittsburgh a 7-3 lead with 8:45 remaining in the first quarter.

The Colts were able to respond to Pittsburgh's quick-flash score with another deep field goal by Shrader 56 yards to cut the lead to 7-6 with 6:55 remaining in the first quarter.

Pittsburgh orchestrated the first big-time drive of the day afterward, going 80 yards in 12 plays and culminating in a one-yard throw from Rodgers to tight end Pat Freiermuth to extend the lead to 14-6 with 13:17 remaining in the first half.

The Colts responded with their own methodical, 10-plus-play drive, going 71 yards in 11 plays, punctuated by a one-yard run by tight end Tyler Warren on the goal line to cut the lead to 14-13 with 7:43 left in the first half. The drive featured a pair of fourth-down conversions, including the touchdown.

The two teams then traded punts, which included a three-and-out by Pittsburgh and a six-play drive for Indy.

It was time for another long Steelers drive afterward, as they went 58 yards in 11 plays for a 48-yard field goal by kicker Chris Boswell for a new lead of 17-13 with 0:21 remaining in the first half.

Highlighted by a 29-yard connection from quarterback Daniel Jones to Warren down the left side, the Colts went knocking on the door of the goal line, but were unable to crack through. They did, however, get a 22-yard field goal from Shrader to cut the lead to 17-16 with 10:23 remaining in the third quarter.

Pittsburgh didn't take long to respond, as they got a 50-yard touchdown run by Warren, making it a 24-126 lead with 7:06 remaining in the third quarter. Warren became the first player in the NFL since Herschel Walker in 1986 to get 

The Colts responded with yet another field goal, punctuating a drive of 45 yards on 10 plays. Shrader's 40-yard kick was his fourth of the game and cut the lead to 24-19 with 2:13 left in the third quarter.

The Colts' defense then forced a three-and-out by the Pittsburgh offense that netted -10 yards.

The Colts' offense took the new opportunity and added yet another three points to the board with a 28-yard Shrader field goal, cutting the lead to 24-22 with 11:42 remaining in the game.

The Steelers were once again able to respond to the Colts' score with a critical hit. They marched 64 yards downfield in 10 plays, getting a 17-yard touchdown over the middle from Rodgers to Freiermuth, their second scoring connection of the day. That made the score 31-22 with 6:35 left.

The Colts gave it another shot on the ensuing drive, but their drive sputtered out before midfield, turning the ball over on downs. They netted just four yards in eight plays, with a holding penalty on center Tanor Bortolini taking the wind out of their sails. They gave the ball back to Pittsburgh at the Indy 39-yard line.

The Steelers put the nail in the coffin on their following drive, as Boswell's 54-yard field goal with 3:343 remaining made it 34-22.

The Colts were recklessly aggressive on their final drive, throwing low-hope deep balls while ultimately turning the ball over on downs with 2:41 remaining.

The Steelers ran out the clock with their final drive.