Takeaways: Steelers’ 6 turnover, 5 sack game corrals Colts

In other words, the front and middle of the defense limited how efficient and effective Jones could be once the Colts offense became one-dimensional. Michael Pittman Jr led the Indy receivers with 9 catches for 115 yards (Alec Pierce also had 115 yards receiving), but only Josh Downs caught a touchdown pass. The only other Colts touchdown was a Jones keeper just outside the goal line.

Rodgers led Steelers offense to efficient success

The Pittsburgh offense wasn’t shockingly explosive, but it was decidedly efficient with Aaron Rodgers guiding it at quarterback. Rodgers has traditionally been known for good game and clock management, and in this game he continued to work through – and around – what Indianapolis’ defense presented. With a mix of passing and run plays, the offense capitalized largely on what their teammates on defense set up for them.

Jaylen Warren, the primary ball carrier for the Steelers recorded a two-touchdown game on 16 carries for 31 yards.

Rodgers connected with nine different targets in the passing game, including Pat Freiermuth (1 touchdown, 3 receptions for 27 yards). Beside Freiermuth, Calvin Austin III, Darnell Washington, Kenneth Gainwell, Jonnu Smith, Kaleb Johnson, D.K. Metcalf, Roman Wilson, and Warren accounted for 25 catches for 203 yards. Balance led to success.

Reset, but not perfect

Teams can reset without playing a perfect game. The Steelers showed that on Sunday. Execution for a full 60 minutes is what is expected from every NFL team, and that is the “standard” in Pittsburgh.

Penalties were not nearly as costly this week, but still hurt the team. Porter had a big one that shot the Steelers in the foot.

Roman Wilson’s attempt to give a little something extra on a play that could have just allowed the Steelers to run out the clock (and instead gave the Colts a glimmer of hope in the final quarter) was a costly error when the ball was punched out of his hands mid-hurdle and recovered by Indianapolis.

Rodgers was sacked three times for a loss of 16 yards.

What looked like a muffed punt recovery by Brandin Echols for a touchdown was brought back for the offense to start a drive at the IND 11 that resulted in a turnover on downs instead of a touchdown.

Yes, the Steelers looked like they’d reset. They played complimentary football for a 27-20 win they weren’t intended to be able to do (per NFL insiders and analysts). Stacking this win with another complete game in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Chargers, on the road, would place them back on much firmer footing for the second half of the season.