Steelers overcome own ghosts to hold on to road win
The Pittsburgh Steelers headed to the locker room at the half with a significant 16-3 lead over the Indianapolis Colts as they held Matt Ryan's offense to only 71 net yards in the first half. But one week after talking all about second half struggles, it seemed like the Steelers faced a similar fate on […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers headed to the locker room at the half with a significant 16-3 lead over the Indianapolis Colts as they held Matt Ryan's offense to only 71 net yards in the first half.
But one week after talking all about second half struggles, it seemed like the Steelers faced a similar fate on this one. Pittsburgh started off on the wrong foot by allowing a huge kickoff return to their own 19-yard line.
After allowing a two-yard touchdown by Colts' running back Jonathan Taylor that cut the deficit down to 6 points, the Steelers went three-and-out on two consecutive offensive drives, bringing last week's ghosts back to life as they dug themselves a hole that would have them temporarily lose the lead of the game.
At that moment, here's what Pittsburgh's second half drives looked like going back to last week's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals:
But this time, Kenny Pickett's offense responded.
Down by one, the Steelers' rookie quarterback put together an 11-play drive for 75 yards and what would end up being the game-winning touchdown.
The drive was filled with big-time moments that displayed the potential of the Steelers' offense. Everyone was involved.
A 13-yard pass to George Pickens over the middle (plus a 15-yard roughing the passer flag to put the Steelers at their own 49-yard line). A nine-yard run by WR Gunner Olszewski. Diontae Johnson and Pat Freiermuth got in the action as well with big catches including the tight end's third-down 17-yard conversion.
Running back Benny Snell – filling in for an injured Najee Harris – scored the go-ahead touchdown on the drive and what followed had to be one of the plays of the game. In the two point conversion attempt, Pickett escaped the pocket and threw a laser to Pickens to put the Steelers ahead by seven.
When it mattered the most, Kenny Pickett and his offense answered the bell and won the game.
Meanwhile, the Colts created some ghosts of their own as fans will wonder all week long why Jeff Saturday didn't call a timeout in the final seconds of the game. With that, the defense capped off a stellar performance to finish the game 24-17.
Injuries
RB Najee Harris was ruled out of the game in the first half with an abdominal injury. CB Levi Wallace exited the field late in the fourth quarter.
Featured image via Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
