Steel Curtain Slams Shut: Steelers’ Defense Dismantles Colts
November 4, 2025
In a gritty showdown at Acrisure Stadium, the Pittsburgh Steelers edged out the Indianapolis Colts 27-20 on Sunday, snapping a two-game skid and staking their claim atop the AFC North. The Steelers’ defense roared back to life, forcing six turnovers and registering five sacks, while the Colts’ high-flying offense was held in check—Daniel Jones tossed three interceptions and lost two fumbles, overshadowing his 342 yards passing. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh turned short fields into points and leaned on Jaylen Warren’s two rushing touchdowns plus a solid effort from Aaron Rodgers (25/35, 203 yards, 1 TD) to seal the deal.
After starting the game with a 3 and out on offense, the Steelers defense allowed the Colts to go 79 yards in 13 plays, led by the passing attack of Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce and capped off by a Daniel Jones QB sneak for the TD. The Steelers came out for offense and were once again held to a 3 and out by the Clots, but a dropped punt by Josh Downs gave the Steelers back possession on their side of the field with a chance to tie it up. After a 7 yard pass to Jonnu Smith, the Steelers couldn’t get anything else going and got 0 yards on the next 3 plays to result in a turnover on downs. The Colts, now with all the momentum, were driving to take a 14-0 lead when TJ Watt got in the backfield and forced a fumble on a sack, which was recovered by Pittsburgh to keep hope alive. The Steelers weren’t gonna let this opportunity pass them by again, going 56 yards in 12 plays, finishing with a 1 yard Jaylen Warren TD run to tie the game at 7. The Colts, looking to shake just their 4th turnover of the year, took the field again but after only 1 play, Daniel Jones was intercepted by 2nd year Linebacker Payton Wilson. It only took the Steelers 2 plays and 13 yards to score from here, scoring on a 12 yard TD pass to Pat Friermuth. The Steelers seemingly with all the momentum now, held the Colts to a 3 and out and got the ball with just enough time to get some points before the half. After a couple passes from Aaron Rodgers the Steelers were in the red zone, but a sack by the Colts forced the Steelers to just take 3 points into the half.
The Colts being somewhere they haven’t been this season, and the Steelers being in the same exact spot they’ve been in the last two weeks before blowing the game in the second half, it was gonna be intriguing to see how the second half would unfold. The Colts started with the ball and were facing a 4th and 1 and they went for it and got it. The Steelers though weren’t ready for the same story to happen, as they followed that up with a sack on first and second down by Alex Highsmith and Joey Porter Jr. to set them behind the sticks and force a punt. The Steelers, looking to expand on the lead, were forced to punt on their first drive of the half. With the way the Steelers defense had been playing though, this was almost a good thing. After a few good passes by Daniel Jones, Jack Sawyer picked him off thanks to a tip by Payton Wilson to give the Steelers their 4th turnover of the game. The Steelers rode the momentum of this turnover once again, going 56 yards in 7 plays resulting in a 2 yard Jalen Warren TD run for his second of the day. The Colts looking to keep themselves in the game down 24-7 in the 4th, took the field and Daniel Jones was in rhythm finding receivers everywhere to drive down the field. The defense tightened up though and were able to hold the Colts to a field goal. After a Steelers 3 and out the Colts had the ball down 24-10 with a chance to make it a one possession game. After only one play though, Jones was sacked again resulting in a fumble, this time by Alex Highsmith. The Steelers were able to get three points out of this to go up 27-10 with about 7 minutes left and the game was all but over. The Colts were able to score another touchdown to go down 27-17, then they forced a fumble to put some fear in the Steelers. Once again though it was the Steelers defense showing up, with Joey Porter Jr intercepting Daniel Jones to put the dagger in the Colts.
In the end, the Steelers showed the resilience and grit that have long defined Pittsburgh football. After two straight weeks of heartbreak, they finally closed out a game with authority, powered by a dominant defense and a steady hand from Aaron Rodgers. Jaylen Warren’s pair of touchdowns and the defensive unit’s relentless pursuit of the ball turned what could have been another collapse into a statement win. With six takeaways (the Colts had only turned the ball over 4 times ALL SEASON up to this point) and a balanced offensive effort, the Steelers not only stopped their skid but reasserted themselves as true contenders in the AFC North, proving that when their defense sets the tone, this team can go toe-to-toe with anyone. For the Colts, the loss raised serious questions about their contender status, despite Daniel Jones’ big yardage total, his turnovers proved costly and he reverted to his New York form, and the team’s inability to protect the football or sustain drives against elite defenses remains a concern. As Pittsburgh reclaims momentum atop the AFC North, Indianapolis must regroup quickly if it hopes to stay relevant in the playoff race.
Ben, Author
Communication major and junior from Ohio. I played college ball at the D2 level for Lake Erie College as a defensive end…so I know a thing or two about grit (and laundry day after turf stains). I’m a proud fan of the Steelers, Michigan, and Red Sox, and when I’m not watching or debating sports, you’ll probably catch me at a Steelers game.
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