INDIANAPOLIS — Gardner Minshew made the most of a depleted supporting cast.
The Colts’ quarterback was a backup himself, but he used backup receivers to make big plays. He will lead Indianapolis’ backup running backs into play calls that will be successful. It was some of Minshew’s best work this season, and perhaps the best of his entire career.
Minshew tied a career high with three touchdown passes, Indianapolis rushed for 170 yards, and the Colts improved their playoff prospects with a 30-13 win over the struggling Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday.
“We needed to win these games and we did a great job until the end.” Minshew said. “I think everyone was locked in, there was a sense of urgency, there was a lot of attention to detail. It’s all about winning games at the moment, but we’ve got to get it done.”
Minshew and the Colts (8-6) won five of six games and advanced from last place in the AFC South to playoff contention. They currently hold seventh place in the AFC and will remain there after this weekend’s games due to a tie-break.
They wouldn’t be in that spot without Minshew, who replaced injured rookie Anthony Richardson in Week 5. On Saturday, despite losing top receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to a concussion and top rusher Zack Moss to a concussion, Minshew went 18 of 28 for 215 yards. did. Injured his right arm. 2021 NFL rushing champion Jonathan Taylor (right thumb) also did not play.
The Steelers (7-7) have lost their third straight game, dropping to last place in the rugged AFC North and putting coach Mike Tomlin’s streak of 16 consecutive seasons batting over .500 in jeopardy.
Pittsburgh jumped out to an early 13-0 lead thanks to backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky, making his second start in place of the injured Kenny Pickett. But by late in the fourth quarter, the Colts had scored 30 points in a row and third-stringer Mason Rudolph was throwing passes to the Steelers.
“To be honest, we’re a fundamentally poor football team right now.” Tomlin said. “We’re playing losing football and that’s on me. I don’t necessarily have the answer today. If I had done that, I think we would have played differently today. But I don’t want things to stay the way they are. I admit that it won’t last.”
Trubisky completed 16 of 23 for 169 yards with one TD pass and two interceptions. Pittsburgh rushed for 74 yards and finished with 216 total yards.
Replay review turned Trubisky’s fumble into a 1-yard TD run, giving the Steelers a head start. Chris Boswell missed the extra point attempt. Six plays later, Pittsburgh took advantage of a blocked punt with Trubisky throwing a 4-yard TD pass to Diontae Johnson early in the second quarter.
But from there, Indy’s defense tightened up, and the Colts took a 14-13 lead with 16-yard TD passes from Minshew and Moss, and a 14-yard TD pass from DJ Montgomery with 22 seconds left in the first half. . Montgomery was promoted from the practice squad this week.
“He’s just been working hard all year on the scout team and making play after play after play.” Colts coach Shane Steichen said. “It’s like we have to add this guy to the active roster.”
Pittsburgh’s downward spiral continued when Najee Harris committed a fumble on the first Steelers play of the second half. On the next snap, Minshew threw an 18-yard scoring pass to Moe Allie-Cox to make it 21-13. Matt Gay’s three field goals clinched the victory for the Colts.
Trey Sermon only had 11 runs this season, but ran 17 times for 88 yards to lead the Colts.
“Every time you lose a really good player like that, I don’t think anyone can step in to replace them.” Minshew said. “I think everyone needs to step up their level of play, and I think we got that from a lot of different areas today.”
scary moment
Lucas Oil Stadium fell silent after Steelers safety Damonte Kazee bumped Pittman in the shoulder as the receiver attempted a diving catch. The Colts later announced that Pittman suffered a concussion. Kazee was sent off for this hit and was given a penalty.
Colts players quickly rushed to check on Pittman, and several players from both teams took a knee while trainers worked to treat Pittman. Fans covered Pittman’s eyes and looked concerned until Pittman got up and left the field.
Reporting an injury
Steelers: S Minkah Fitzpatrick injured his left knee in the second quarter and did not return.
Colts: Moss did not return after being injured on a scoring play. He broke the same arm during the preseason. DT Eric Johnson II left the game in the second half with what appeared to be a lower-body injury.
Look at the numbers
Steelers: Series winning streak ended at eight, first loss at Lucas Oil Stadium. … Johnson led the Steelers with four catches for 67 yards. George Pickens caught three balls for 47 yards.
Colts: Tyler Goodson gained 69 yards on 11 carries. Indy had 14 straight rushes in the second half series. …The Colts had three sacks this season, giving them 45 sacks, two sacks shy of setting a new single-season franchise record.
next
Steelers: Host division rival Cincinnati next Saturday.
Colts: Sunday, Dec. 24, at Atlanta.