INDIANAPOLIS–First Quarter Recap
The Steelers won the toss and deferred.
A strip of Scott Tolzien was how things started on Thursday night. The Colts recovered, but went three-and-out to start.
With field position near midfield, the Steelers wasted little time jumping out to an early lead. Moving 52 yards in seven plays, Le'Veon Bell's five-yard touchdown run gave Pittsburgh a 7-0 lead with 9:10 to go in the first quarter.
The Colts saw much more promise on their next offensive drive. A pair of third-down conversions pushed the Colts into Steelers territory. But a failed third-and-one led to a 52-yard field goal try by Adam Vinatieri, which he missed wide right.
Pittsburgh again had solid field position and took advantage of it. Le'Veon Bell's legs set up this touchdown. Ben Roethlisberger hooked up on a beautiful back shoulder throw to Antonio Brown for a 25-yard touchdown.
At the end of the first quarter, the Steelers led the Colts 14-0.Second Quarter Recap
For the Colts to have a chance on Thursday night, the special teams had to do some funky things. That came here. A Jordan Todman kick return of 43 yards, plus a Pat McAfee fake punt, set up the first points of the night for the Colts. The McAfee to Mo Alie-Cox fake on fourth down pushed the Colts inside the 10-yard line. Scott Tolzien then found Donte Moncrief for a five-yard touchdown. The score was 14-7 early in the second quarter.
McAfee gave the Colts a spark, but Big Ben quickly extinguished it. After a 3rd-and-13 conversion by Big Ben, the future Hall of Famer found Antonio Brown for a 33-yard touchdown. Pittsburgh's lead was 21-7 at the 9:00 mark of the second.
The Colts would go three-and-out on their next possession.
Pittsburgh would follow with a three-and-out after an illegal hands to the face penalty wiped out a first-down completion.
Indianapolis would put together a drive all the way down to the Pittsburgh one-yard line, but an incompletion on 4th-and-Goal ended things with no points. On the drive, T.Y. Hilton left the game with a back injury.
Pittsburgh would run out the rest of the first half clock.
At halftime, the Steelers led the Colts 21-7.Third Quarter Recap
The Colts opened up the second half with a very important defensive stop in their own territory.
Without T.Y. Hilton, Scott Tolzien put together yet another drive that would penetrate Pittsburgh's side of the field. A quick third quarter came to a close with the Colts at the Steelers four-yard line, facing a 2nd-and-Goal.
At the end of the third quarter, the Steelers led the Colts 21-7.Fourth Quarter Recap
The 19-play drive for the Colts would end without any points (again). Jacoby Brissett couldn't handle a 4th-and-Goal pass from the two-yard line.
Indy's defense continued a much better second half in forcing another stop.
But the offense could not capitalize. Scott Tolzien was picked off by Pittsburgh safety Mike Mitchel with 7:51 to play.
The Steelers then went 64 yards in four plays as Big Ben found Antonio Brown for a 22-yard touchdown, their third such connection on the night. The lead was stretched to 28-7 for the visitors with 5:30 remaining.
Tolzien's second interception of the quarter gave the Steelers the ball back with 4:08, leading by 21 points.
Pittsburgh would run out clock with the Colts not being able to find the end zone again, preserving the 28-7 victory for the Steelers.
The Colts (5-6) will now have 10 days off before playing at the Jets (3-7) on Monday, Dec. 5.
Colts In-Game Injuries
C-Ryan Kelly (shoulder, OUT)
OG-Denzelle Good (neck/shoulder, OUT)
CB-Vontae Davis (groin, OUT)
WR-T.Y. Hilton (back, OUT)
OLB-Robert Mathis (elbow, OUT)
Colts Inactives
C-Austin Blythe
OT-Le'Raven Clark
S-Clayton Geathers (concussion)
NT-Zach Kerr
ILB-Deon King
QB-Andrew Luck (concussion)
OLB-Curt MaggittColts Pre-Game Notes
- The Colts have never played at home on Thanksgiving.
- Since 2007, the Colts are 10-0 when playing on Thursday.
- At halftime of Thursday's game, Tony Dungy and Marvin Harrison will be presented their Pro Football Hall of Fame rings after being inducted into Canton earlier this year.
- After Thursday, the Colts will have 10 days off before going to the Jets for Monday Night Football on Dec. 5.
Weather Update
-With temps dipping down into the 40s and 30s tonight, the roof and window will again be closed at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Colts have teamed up with Uber and ICJI to help fans ride responsibly on game day! Download the Uber app and enter code COLTS2016 for a free first ride up to $15. Make the right call - get home safe with Uber!
