INDIANAPOLIS — Joe Flacco stepped in for the injured Anthony Richardson, leading the Indianapolis Colts to a 27-24 victory over the previously unbeaten Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. The 39-year-old veteran quarterback threw two touchdown passes and guided the Colts to a critical stop in the final moments of the game.
Flacco completed 16 of 26 passes for 168 yards, emphasizing his straightforward approach to the game. “You just see the guy and hit him. That’s all you do,” he stated. This marks a significant performance for Flacco, a former Super Bowl MVP, who has previously had success against the Steelers during his time with the Baltimore Ravens.
Richardson had a challenging game, leaving the field twice due to injuries—a hit to his right hip and a subsequent blow to the head. After the second incident, he went directly to the locker room and did not return. Colts head coach Shane Steichen did not provide immediate updates on Richardson or running back Jonathan Taylor, who injured his ankle late in the game.
The Colts improved to a 2-2 record with this win, marking their second consecutive victory and second straight win over the Steelers (3-1). The Colts initially built a significant lead, going up 17-0 in the first half.
Flacco had a strong connection with Michael Pittman Jr., who caught six passes for 113 yards. He also connected with Josh Downs for a 2-yard touchdown and Drew Ogletree for a 15-yard scoring pass. Taylor contributed to the score with a 21-carry, 88-yard performance, including a touchdown run on the Colts’ opening drive.
Pittsburgh’s top-ranked defense allowed the most points they have this season, as their six-game regular-season winning streak came to an end. Quarterback Justin Fields made a strong effort, running for two touchdowns and passing for another. However, a botched snap during their final drive proved costly for the Steelers.
Fields took responsibility for the misplay, stating, “After I kick my leg up, I have to be ready for the ball. It’s on me.” Despite the outcome, he completed 22 of 34 passes for 312 yards, but was sacked four times and lost a fumble.
Richardson raced out of the gate with a 32-yard pass on his first throw, leading to Taylor’s opening touchdown. Unfortunately for Richardson, this marks the fourth time in his short career that he has not finished a game.
Flacco quickly found his rhythm, throwing a 4-yard touchdown to Downs on just his fourth play and helping to set up a field goal, giving the Colts a comfortable lead at halftime. As the game progressed, Flacco maintained poise under pressure, completing crucial plays in high-stress moments.
Injury updates from the game revealed that the Steelers lost several players, including RG James Daniels, RB Cordarrelle Patterson, and LB Nick Herbig to ankle injuries, with Patterson being carted off the field. The Colts played without three starters due to injuries as well.
In attendance to witness the game was former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, alongside Indiana Fever’s star Caitlin Clark.
Looking ahead, the Steelers will host the Dallas Cowboys next Sunday night, while the Colts will travel to Jacksonville for their upcoming game.