Indianapolis, IN
Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts clash in high-stakes game with playoff implications | NFL News – Times of India
NEW DELHI: The firing of offensive coordinator Matt Canada did not bring a quick fix to the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ offensive struggles, evident in consecutive home losses to the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots. After breaking a 58-game streak of not gaining 400 yards in a game, the Steelers find themselves facing a critical challenge on the road against the Indianapolis Colts, with both teams holding 7-6 records in a matchup laden with playoff implications.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin acknowledges the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the significance of these games in December as the playoff picture becomes clearer. The loss to the Patriots saw the Steelers trailing 21-3, with backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky’s fourth-down pass falling short in their comeback attempt.
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, in his podcast, criticized Tomlin and questioned the motivation of certain players, stating, “I’ve felt that certain guys on the team aren’t in it for the team, they’re in it for themselves.” The atmosphere in Pittsburgh is tense, and Trubisky will once again take the helm under center in the absence of Kenny Pickett, who is ruled out with an ankle injury.
On the Colts’ side, they look to rebound after a 34-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew has shown promise, completing 61.7% of his passes since becoming the starter in October. Wide receiver Michael Pittman acknowledges the missed opportunity in the last game but highlights the chance to gain ground in the AFC South.
With running back Jonathan Taylor ruled out for a third straight game and right tackle Braden Smith also sidelined, the Colts face a tough challenge against the Steelers, who hold a historical advantage in the series with eight straight wins. The Steelers’ defense, featuring T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, is expected to be at full strength.
The game holds significant playoff implications for both teams, and with none of the Colts’ final four opponents having records better than 7-6, there’s an opportunity for a strong finish. The Steelers aim to extend their dominance in the series, having won five in a row in Indianapolis, including a 24-17 decision last year.
(With Reuters inputs)
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin acknowledges the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the significance of these games in December as the playoff picture becomes clearer. The loss to the Patriots saw the Steelers trailing 21-3, with backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky’s fourth-down pass falling short in their comeback attempt.
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, in his podcast, criticized Tomlin and questioned the motivation of certain players, stating, “I’ve felt that certain guys on the team aren’t in it for the team, they’re in it for themselves.” The atmosphere in Pittsburgh is tense, and Trubisky will once again take the helm under center in the absence of Kenny Pickett, who is ruled out with an ankle injury.
On the Colts’ side, they look to rebound after a 34-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew has shown promise, completing 61.7% of his passes since becoming the starter in October. Wide receiver Michael Pittman acknowledges the missed opportunity in the last game but highlights the chance to gain ground in the AFC South.
With running back Jonathan Taylor ruled out for a third straight game and right tackle Braden Smith also sidelined, the Colts face a tough challenge against the Steelers, who hold a historical advantage in the series with eight straight wins. The Steelers’ defense, featuring T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, is expected to be at full strength.
The game holds significant playoff implications for both teams, and with none of the Colts’ final four opponents having records better than 7-6, there’s an opportunity for a strong finish. The Steelers aim to extend their dominance in the series, having won five in a row in Indianapolis, including a 24-17 decision last year.
(With Reuters inputs)