Running back Jaylen Warren was the story of the Steelers’ 34-22 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, showcasing the kind of hard‑working, family‑oriented talent that fans love to see on the field.
Warren, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent, amassed 188 total yards and two long scores, including an 80‑yard catch‑and‑run in the first quarter and a 50‑yard sprint to the end zone in the third. The veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers connected with Warren on the long play, then took a hard hit from Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart while delivering the pass.
Key moments
The game opened with Warren’s explosive 80‑yard touchdown, giving Pittsburgh an early boost. Later, a 1‑yard gain on fourth‑and‑1 in Indianapolis territory set up a short‑field touchdown for tight end Pat Freiermuth, who finished with five receptions for 44 yards and two scores.
Coach Mike McCarthy praised Warren, saying, “He’s the man. He’s hauling it right now for us.” With fellow back Rico Dowdle sidelined by a toe injury, Warren became the primary option in the backfield and responded by shouldering a heavy workload.
Rodgers and the offense
Rodgers completed 22 of 31 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns. After his 80‑yard connection with Warren, he acknowledged the physical toll of the play, noting, “I feel like I kind of earned it a bit. Maybe not 80 yards and a touchdown, but yeah.” The veteran’s performance helped the Steelers maintain control despite the Colts’ attempts to stay within striking distance.
Colts’ struggles
Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones threw for 267 yards but was unable to convert red‑zone opportunities into touchdowns, settling for five field goals from kicker Spencer Shrader. Coach Shane Steichen lamented the missed chances, saying, “We settled for way too many field goals today. Those points are huge. They’re four‑point plays. We have to score touchdowns when we’re in the red zone.”
The Colts were limited to 82 total yards for running back Jonathan Taylor and failed to reach the end zone, underscoring the Steelers’ defensive effectiveness.
Injuries and next steps
Steelers wide receiver/return specialist Ben Skowronek left in the second quarter with a calf injury, while Roman Wilson exited after a hand injury. Linebacker T.J. Watt was treated for a facial injury after a collision with Indianapolis defensive tackle Jalen Travis.
Looking ahead, the Steelers will travel to Tampa Bay next Sunday, while the Colts host AFC South rival Tennessee.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
