The Colts secured a difficult 27-24 win over the Steelers on Sunday, despite losing Anthony Richardson to injury. Joe Flacco stepped in and helped lead Indianapolis to victory, showing resilience against the odds in the Colts vs Steelers Week 4 odds.
The Colts stepped forward their document to 2-2 with this win. Even with Richardson out, the team stayed robust and held off a huge comeback strive by using Steelers quarterback Justin Fields.
Pittsburgh was driven difficult in the second half, however, the Colts’ protection prevented them from taking the lead. Indianapolis controlled to grasp on and win in a close game.
### Joe Flacco Shows His Value as Colts’ Backup Quarterback
The Colts selected Joe Flacco as their backup quarterback after the Raiders signed Gardner Minshew. Flacco, the final 12 months NFL Comeback Player of the Year, had a robust season with the Browns, leading them to the playoffs. Indianapolis believed Flacco ought to push the ball downfield better than Minshew.However, in opposition to the Steelers, Flacco didn’t throw deep regularly and struggled with accuracy whilst he did.
Despite this, his professionalism and consistent play made a difference. He completed sixteen of 26 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns, which includes a key throw to Josh Downs proper after Anthony Richardson’s harm.After that early success, the Colts’ offense slowed down until the fourth zone. Flacco came via past due, escaping strain to locate Drew Ogletree for a fifteen-yard touchdown that helped seal the win.Flacco also avoided mistakes, keeping his passes safe. Unlike his time in Cleveland, where interceptions were a concern, he protected the ball well against Pittsburgh, helping the Colts maintain control of the game.
Anthony Richardson Exits Game with Hip Injury
The Colts were confident in the offseason that Anthony Richardson could handle the physical demands of the NFL, despite injuries in previous games. Richardson himself had promised to take better care of his body on the field.
However, in Sunday’s sport against the Steelers, the 22-year-vintage quarterback was knocked out after a difficult hit. Richardson faked a handoff to Jonathan Taylor and rushed for 16 yards earlier than taking a massive hit to his proper hip from Pittsburgh safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. He first of all struggled to rise and overlooked a few plays.
Richardson returned in brief and ran the ball once more, but took another difficult hit, this time to the head. After being checked within the locker room, he came lower back to the sideline however he was sooner or later ruled out of the game using the Colts to save you in addition to damage.
### Colts Defense Struggles Against Justin Fields
Despite lacking key players, the Colts’ defense managed the first 1/2, holding the Steelers to just three factors. They ruled the road of scrimmage, sacking Justin Fields 4 instances and hitting him eight times, with Dayo Odeyingbo main the fee with 1.Five sacks.
However, as the sport went on, Fields commenced locating his rhythm. He escaped the strain and made massive plays, completing 21 of 31 passes for 301 yards and a landing. Fields additionally brought 55 speeding yards and two touchdowns. The Steelers almost completed a comeback, however a bad snap within the very last minutes hurt their probabilities.
### Jonathan Taylor Shines, But Exits with Ankle Injury
Jonathan Taylor, the Colts’ pinnacle offensive weapon, had a robust beginning with 10 incorporates at some stage in scoring drives. With Anthony Richardson in the sport, Taylor thrived as defenses had to account for Richardson’s jogging and passing talents. Richardson completed 3 of 4 passes for 71 yards and rushed for 24 yards before his harm.
After Richardson left, Taylor struggled first of all, but he picked it up later in the sport. He finished with 21 contains for 88 yards before suffering an ankle damage that pressured him out of the very last drive.
### Michael Pittman and Josh Downs Break Out Against Pittsburgh
After a slow start to the season due to accidents and Anthony Richardson’s passing struggles, Michael Pittman and Josh Downs sooner or later observed their groove in opposition to the Steelers. Both receivers performed key roles inside the Colts’ offense.
Pittman had a standout sport, catching six passes for 113 yards. He made big performances early, with catches of 32 and 28 yards at the Colts’ first scoring drives. His overall performance helped set the tone for the offense.
Josh Downs came alive as soon as Joe Flacco entered the game. He caught eight passes for 82 yards and scored a touchdown, building strong chemistry with the veteran quarterback. Downs’ capability to locate areas and make plays helped maintain the Colts’ offense transfer.
