Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) throws a pass during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

How The Steelers Managed To Best Favorited Colts 27-20 In Week 9

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Howe Fresh | Last updated Nov 3, 2025 11:31 AM ET

The Indianapolis Colts traveled to challenge the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week Nine of the 2025-26 NFL regular season. The visitors went to Acrisure Stadium as the betting favorites and the league’s best offense. In a game in which Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for just 203 yards and one touchdown, exactly how did they outscore this offensive juggernaut?

First Quarter – Steelers Vs. Colts

The Colts had control of the game early on. The Steelers elected to receive the ball, only to go three-and-out. The opposing first drive resulted in a touchdown, which included two fourth-down conversions and chunks of yardage through the air.

Pittsburgh answered back with a second consecutive three-and-out, but were picked up by their special teams. It recovered a botched punt reception to set up their offense in the red zone. Rodgers had nothing cooking, going four-and-out on the following drive.

Home fans were still in the Halloween mindset, trying to scare their team with boo’s. Indianapolis secured its third fourth-down conversion on a fake punt before the end of the quarter. It was 7-0 after the first quarter.

Second Quarter – Steelers Vs. Colts

The Steelers’ defense took over the game in the second quarter. Linebacker TJ Watt sparked the flame with a strip-sack of quarterback Daniel Jones, which led to a rush-TD from running back Jaylen Warren to tie the game. Linebacker Payton Wilson added gas to the defensive fire, coming up with an interception. This led to a passing TD to tight end Pat Friermuth, making it 14-7. The Colts couldn’t score before half-time, while Pittsburgh squeezed in another field goal to make it 17-7.

Third Quarter – Steelers Vs. Colts

The Steelers’ defense continued making important plays. Indianapolis did make two more fourth-down conversions in the quarter, but no points. One drive included a sack, and the other included another interception from Jones. Pittsburgh was lucky to have its defense on this day, as the Colts shut down their offense. The third ended without any scoring.

Fourth Quarter – Steelers Vs. Colts

Warren scored his second touchdown of the game early in the fourth, putting his team up 24-7. Indianapolis made things interesting when it scored a field goal to make it 24-10, then forced an impressive fumble to put the ball back in Jones’ hands. He’d get a passing-TD to wide receiver Josh Downs, and get them in position for another field goal, but it wasn’t enough. The Pittsburgh defense, which was the key difference, put this game away with its third interception. The game ended 27-20.

End Of My Pittsburgh Steelers Vs. Indianapolis Colts Rant

The Colts’ offense easily outgained the Steelers, but the turnovers did them in. Indianapolis drops to 7-2, while Pittsburgh gets an important fifth win in an interesting AFC North battle.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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