Following two straight disappointing performances by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin's team was suddenly in a very tough spot. After falling to the Cardinals and Patriots in back-to-back weeks, the Steelers were suddenly one of six teams in the AFC tied with a 7-6 record.
A loss on the road in Week 15 would prove to be catastrophic, as Pittsburgh's chances of making the playoffs this year would plummet to just 12 percent, per Pro Football Focus. However, this team wasn't about to come out flat for the third game in a row.
After going three-and-out and gaining zero yards on their first offensive possession, things weren't looking encouraging. But it didn't take long for the Steelers to turn up the heat. The defense came firing out of the gate, and T.J. Watt earned a sack early in the first quarter.
Pittsburgh eventually held the Colts to a long field goal attempt that was missed. From here, they were able to work the ball down the field for a score. After another solid defensive stand, the Steelers blocked a punt, and edge defender Nick Herbig picked up the ball at the one-yard line. That's when Mitch Trubisky found Diontae Johnson for the one-yard touchdown pass.
This was arguably the best start we have seen from the Pittsburgh Steelers all season, and it has come with their backup quarterback at the helm. Trubisky hasn't played a perfect game in the early going, but the backup QB is finally showing signs of life.
The Steelers hold an early two-score lead over the Colts in the first half. This is a pivotal contest that could be the turning point of the season. We still have a lot of game left and things can change between now and then, but let's hope Pittsburgh keeps piling it on!