The Pittsburgh Steelers’ undefeated streak came to a screeching halt on Sunday, as they were defeated by the Indianapolis Colts 27-24 in a thrilling Week 4 matchup. Despite a valiant second-half comeback, the Steelers were unable to overcome a slow start and a series of unfortunate events late in the game.
Justin Fields
The Colts, led by a masterful game plan from head coach Shane Steichen, jumped out to an early 17-0 lead. Steichen, known for his innovative offensive schemes, expertly exploited the Steelers’ weaknesses, particularly on third down, where the Colts scored all three of their first-half touchdowns. Quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Joe Flaco, who filled in after Richardson suffered a hip injury, executed the game plan with precision, consistently finding open receivers against a Steelers defense that looked uncharacteristically vulnerable.
The Steelers’ offense, meanwhile, sputtered in the first half, managing just three points. Quarterback Justin Fields, while not entirely to blame for the offensive woes, struggled to find a rhythm, with a combination of inaccurate throws, batted passes, and a costly fumble hindering their progress. Running back Najee Harris, expected to have a big day with Jaylen Warren sidelined, was largely ineffective, averaging a paltry 3.6 yards per carry.
Najee Harris
However, the Steelers showed their trademark resilience in the second half. Fields, determined to prove his worth as the team’s starting quarterback, orchestrated three consecutive touchdown drives, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities with two rushing touchdowns and one passing score. Fields connected with wide receiver George Pickens for a crucial touchdown in the third quarter, injecting life into a previously stagnant offense.
The Steelers’ defense also stepped up their game, forcing two consecutive three-and-outs to start the second half. Nick Herbig, despite leaving the game briefly with an ankle injury, returned to make a crucial sack late in the fourth quarter, giving the Steelers one final opportunity to tie or win the game.
However, the Steelers’ comeback hopes were dashed by a series of unfortunate events on their final drive. A botched snap exchange between Fields and center Zach Frasier, a recurring issue that plagued them throughout the preseason, cost them valuable yardage. On the next play, a deep pass intended for Pickens was seemingly marred by pass interference, but no flag was thrown. Finally, on fourth down, Fields was forced to scramble and threw an incomplete pass, sealing the Steelers’ fate.
George Pickens
While the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, there are several positive takeaways for the Steelers. Fields’ second-half performance demonstrated his ability to lead the team from behind and make clutch plays under pressure. The defense, though not as dominant as in previous weeks, still showed flashes of brilliance and will undoubtedly learn from their mistakes.
Despite the loss, the Steelers remain a team with playoff aspirations. Their upcoming schedule offers a chance to bounce back, with matchups against the struggling Cowboys, Raiders, Jets, and Giants. The Steelers have a history of overcoming adversity under head coach Mike Tomlin, and their ability to fight back in this game suggests they are far from a broken team.
