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Several Colts Record Career Bests in Steelers Win | Crunching Numbers

The Indianapolis Colts got a complete team win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, which included several players reaching new career milestones.

Jake Arthur

Sep 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed (45) during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Sep 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed (45) during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images / Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
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The Indianapolis Colts (2-2) hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) on Sunday, and despite forming a three-score lead in the first half, they allowed the Steelers to come back in the second half. However, the Colts made enough plays on both sides of the ball to close the game out for a 27-24 victory.

It was the most complete effort the Colts have had in the young season, and even more impressive were the players who had to step up due to injuries ahead of them. The Colts were without starters Ryan Kelly, Kwity Paye, and Kenny Moore II going into the matchup. Fellow starters Anthony Richardson, Jonathan Taylor, and Tyquan Lewis all left the game early with injuries as well.

The following achievements by the Colts were provided postgame by Colts Communications.

STATISTICAL LEADERS

  • Passing: QB Joe Flacco | 168 yards
  • Rushing: RB Jonathan Taylor | 88 yards
  • Receiving: WR Michael Pittman Jr. | 113 yards
  • Tackles: LB E.J. Speed | 13
  • Sacks: DE Dayo Odeyingbo | 1.5
  • Takeaways: S Julian Blackmon, CB Chris Lammons | 1 fumble recovery
  • Kicking: K Matt Gay | 2-of-3 field goals (66.7%), 3-of-3 extra points (100.0%)
  • Punting: P Rigoberto Sanchez | 4 punts, 42.5-yard average
  • Returns: Josh Downs | 1 punt return, 5.0-yard avg.

OFFENSE

  • The Colts' 14 points in the first quarter were their most in a first quarter since Week 7 of 2023 vs. the Cleveland Browns, and the most that the Steelers have allowed in an entire game this season.
  • The Colts converted 8-of-15 third downs (53.3%), which is their best rate since Week 5 of 2023 vs. the Tennessee Titans.

Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught 6 passes (9 targets) for a team-high 113 yards (18.8 avg.).

  • With 100-plus receiving yards in the first half, he became the first Colts player to accomplish that feat in an opening half since T.Y. Hilton in Week 13 of 2020 at the Houston Texans. Pittman is the fourth player in the NFL to accomplish the feat this year, joining Chris Godwin, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Justin Jefferson.

Wide receiver Josh Downs caught a game-high 8 passes (9 targets) for 82 yards (10.3 avg.) and his first touchdown of the season.

  • His receptions tied a single-game career high.

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DEFENSE

Linebacker E.J. Speed had 13 tackles (2 for loss).

  • His streak of 10-plus tackle games (8) is tied with Zach Thomas for the longest in NFL history.
  • Speed tied his single-game career-high in tackles and set a new single-game career-high in solo tackles (12).

Safety Nick Cross had 8 tackles and 1 forced fumble.

  • It was his first career forced fumble (it was also recovered by Colts safety Julian Blackmon).

Cornerback Chris Lammons had 5 tackles (1 for loss), 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.

  • He reached single-game career highs in tackles, solo tackles (4), and sacks.

Cornerback Samuel Womack III had 1 tackle and 2 pass breakups.

  • His pass breakups were a new single-game career high and matched his career total coming into the game.

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Jake Arthur
JAKE ARTHUR

Jake Arthur has covered the NFL and the Indianapolis Colts for a decade. He is a member of the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) and FantasyPros' expert panel. He has also contributed to multiple NFL Draft guides.

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