The Steelers climbed back into relevancy and survived a spirited game against the Indianapolis Colts to get back to .500 at 4-4. It was a solid defensive effort with some timely offensive output.
After a slow start, the Steelers defense held the Colts to six points in the second half. Cam Heyward set the tone and knocked Colts starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett out of the game when he crushed All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson into Brissett’s ankle and knee. Brian Hoyer did a solid job in Brissett’s absence.
The Steelers front seven pushed around one of the best offensive lines in football, registering five sacks. Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt combined for three and a half of the five Steelers sacks, with Mark Barron and Mike Hilton combining for the other two. Minkah Fitzpatrick chipped in with the biggest play of the day, a 96-yard pick six that turned the first half of the game.
The Colts running game dropped off the face of the earth after the first half. Mark Barron, Vince Williams and Devin Bush stuffed up the middle and kept Marlon Mack in check all day.
The Special teams chipped in with four Field Goals by a reborn Chris Boswell and Ola Adeniyi stripped Chester Rogers after a free kick, and Johnny Holton recovered the ball deep in Colts territory, to maintain the Steelers lead.
The offense again is still a work in progress. Mason Rudolph finished 26 of 35 for 191 yards with one touchdown and one interception, which was really a drop by JuJu Smith-Schuster. There were flashes of brilliance and there were rookie mistakes, including getting sacked in the endzone for a safety. Rudolph continues to develop and the offense with him.
Trey Edmunds came off the bench to lead the team in rushing yards with 73. He had a terrific day and looked dynamic at times and pedestrian at other times. Jaylen Samuels was the safety valve in the receiving game and pulled in 13 catches, but he had a very costly fumble that nearly cost the Steelers the game. He never could get going in the running game.
The coaching had an uneven performance. They made good adjustments after the first half, but the offense started slow and the defense struggled early as well. Both made the necessary adjustments. Mike Tomlin lost two challenges, one of which could have been fatal.
And once again the refs were horrible. The only good thing about it, was they were horrible both ways. They made several questionable calls and were nuisance. What is the point of the Pass Interference review?
The Steelers are back at 500 having used their second and third string Quarterbacks.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Trey Edmunds, who ripped off 73 yards on only 12 carries, coming off the couch to lead the rushing attack. He will push for playing time and did a great job as a change of pace back. Also Considered: Bud Dupree, who had two sacks and looks to be shedding his underachiever label. James Washington who made four catches two of which were spectacular and and Jaylen Samuels who would have gotten the game beer if he didn’t fumble late.
Where I watched the game: Back at the house again, with D-Man and KGB. We had great snacks, that KGB made, Buffalo Chicken Pizza and Italian Sliders. The beer of choice was Corona Light!
My Stat of the week: FIVE Sacks by the Steelers defense. The Colts had allowed only 11 coming into the game. 0 for 2, Mike Tomlin was back on the losing column of his challenges, he is now 1-14. The first challenge he should have won, and the call put the Steelers in jeopardy. The second one was ill advised and cost a very important timeout.
My Thoughts on next week: We will be there! Looking forward to seeing the Steelers turn Mason Rudolph loose against the Colts.
This week’s Jersey: Alejandro Villanueva, #78, Salute To Service, it is my first time wearing a player back to back and this was my first time wearing this jersey!