Steelers edge Colts 21–20 to stay unbeaten at 8–0

PITTSBURGH, PA - The Pittsburgh Steelers kept their perfect season alive with a narrow 21-20 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in a defensive slugfest at Acrisure Stadium. The win moves the Steelers to 8-0, while the Colts drop to 6-3 after letting a halftime lead slip away.

Steelers rally after slow start

The Colts jumped out early behind Anthony Richardson Sr, who led an opening drive capped by an Austin Seibert 30-yard field goal. By halftime, Indianapolis held a 17-14 lead thanks to two short touchdown runs by Tyler Goodson-one coming off a fumble return that flipped early momentum.

But the second half belonged to the Steelers' defense. "We talked about tightening things up, forcing them to earn every yard," said head coach Mike Tomlin. "Our guys responded the way championship teams do."

Rodgers stays steady under pressure

Aaron Rodgers shook off an early interception to throw for 186 yards and two touchdowns, finding D.K. Metcalf for a 9-yard strike in the second quarter and later hitting Kenneth Gainwell for the game-winning 5-yard touchdown in the fourth.

Gainwell's touchdown capped a balanced drive fueled by Jaylen Warren, who pounded the Colts for 136 rushing yards on 23 carries. "That's Steelers football," said Rodgers. "We trust Jaylen to wear defenses down, and we finish drives when it counts."

Defense delivers in crunch time

Pittsburgh's defense clamped down late, sacking Richardson three times and forcing two fumbles. DeShon Elliott made a crucial interception with 3:16 left in the third quarter, halting a Colts drive that had reached the red zone.

Richardson still flashed his trademark explosiveness, rushing for 85 yards, including two long scrambles that set up scores. "We had them where we wanted," Richardson said afterward. "I just can't turn the ball over in that situation."

Up Next

The Steelers will take their unbeaten record on the road to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10. Meanwhile, the Colts look to regroup when they return home to face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 10 - a key AFC test as they aim to bounce back from the narrow loss.