Visiting Indianapolis, the Steelers were riding high on confidence after winning their first three games into the season. With pressure to maintain their perfect record this week against the Colts, the Steelers have fumbled. They tasted their first defeat of the season as the Colts narrowly scored a victory with 24-27.

Even the 27 points they allowed the Colts to dunk on them is the highest yet this season. But how did this happen, considering the run they were in after three games this year? Well, head coach Mike Tomlin offered us some insights after the game that could have led to the Steelers fumbling their near-perfect start to the season. Answering a question about Justin Fields’ performance, Tomlin said, “He and we were a little bit sloppy at times but too sloppy to comfortably secure victory.” 

Fields had a great start to the season, having settled comfortably in a position that was meant for Russell Wilson. His leadership from the center helped the Steelers to maintain their winning run until this game came by. Although Fields finished with 22-of-34 passes for 312 yards and one TD, his one bad play during the third quarter caught everyone’s attention.

While the Steelers trailed behind 17-3 with a third-and-10 down, Fields went for a dropback that turned out to be a bad decision. He had two pass rushers running towards him, which made him run towards the edge. But not being able to do so led Fields towards the middle, where everything fell apart.

Fields slipped, and although he tried to get back up, the Steelers QB fumbled the football, which led to Colts CB Chris Lammons recovering it on the 42-yard line. Well, it was made worse as Fields got sacked for a 20-yard loss while the fumble was picked up farther 5 yards down the line. The Colts eventually got an opportunity for a field goal from that horror play and poor decisions.

But to Fields relief, they couldn’t manage to score on that attempt as the Steelers managed to stay in the game. However, it wasn’t enough, as the Colts managed to run away with the victory this Sunday.

Colts handing the Steelers with a reality check in Indianapolis

As the game began in Lucas Oil Stadium, Colts QB Anthony Richardson found WR Michael Pittman Jr. Richarson for a perfect 32-yard pass. This play eventually led Colts RB Jonathan Taylor to run towards the end zone to score the first TD of the clash. After racing towards a 7-point lead, the Steelers QB Fields tried to get his team back in the game. His pass towards the Steelers WR Calvin Austin III helped the visiting team muster a crucial 17-yard gain.

However, the Steelers decided to punt it away, ending their first drive on the day. But after a few minutes, Richardson fell to the ground, grabbing his hip, which led to him leaving the field to receive medical attention. Although he returned into action for a play, the Colts QB wasn’t able to continue as Joe Flacco replaced him.

Well, Flacco was simply brilliant from the moment he stepped onto the field. Him finishing with 16-of-26 passes for 168 yards and two TDs helped the Colts secure a crucial victory at home. But for the Steelers, it wasn’t a great day as they would be reflecting on their bad decisions and fumbles for their first defeat this season. Next up, it’s the Cowboys for them, who somehow managed to beat the Giants in their clash this week.