The Steelers were able to hold off a late surge by the Indianapolis Colts to win 27-20. Jaylen Warren scored twice on the ground as Pittsburgh snapped a two-game losing streak.
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin called it a good win.
After having a couple of games where they struggled to stop their opponents, the Steelers defense came up big with five sacks and five turnovers. A sixth turnover came on special teams. T.J. Watt had a strip sack and a fumble recovery that lead to the Steelers first touchdown of the day. Alex Highsmith also had a strip sack. Cornerback Joey Porter, Jr. picked up a sack and intercepted a pass. Defensive lineman Derrick Harmon recovered a fumble.
The Steelers defense earned their roses from Tomlin this week.
On offense, Aaron Rodgers completed 25 of 35 passes for 203 yards and a passing touchdown. Warren ran for two touchdowns as part of 16 carries for 31 yards. Calvin Austin III lead all receivers with five receptions for 56 yards. Pat Friermuth picked up a touchdown as one of his 3 receptions for 37 yards.
Rodgers said that this was a much-needed win.
Rodgers said that the offense still needs to improve.
The Steelers could have been inspired by some of the alumni coming back home to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “One for the Thumb”. Many of the steelers on that 2005-2006 team showed up including Ben Roethlisberger, Joey Porter Sr., and Jerome Bettis, who played his final NFL game in Super Bowl 40 in his hometown of Detroit, Michigan.
As far as injuries go, starting left guard Isaac Semualo’s pectoral injury reportedly flared up again, forcing him to leave in the 4th quarter. He barely took part in practice during the run up to Sunday’s game, only becoming a full participant on Friday. Rodgers also had a health scare as he seemed to be suffering pain in his throwing arm in the pre-game warmups, but appeared none the worse for wear.
The Steelers will take on the LA Chargers Sunday night.
