The Steelers' game against the Colts turned out to be a worst-case scenario. One might say it was a comedy of errors. However, due to injuries, this comedy played out more like a tragedy. Nothing went the Steelers' way despite coming within three points of tying the game late in the fourth quarter.
The Steelers have had at least one play per game with a botched exchange between the center and quarterback since the pre-season. Mike Tomlin's quick action to remedy this is crucial. The first occurrence against the Colts was not the game-killer, but it's a clear sign that improvement is needed for the team's future success.
Later in the drive, injuries started to mount. All of them are significant and could have long-lasting effects on the remainder of the Steelers' season. James Daniels suffered an ankle injury on the Steelers' first possession, depleting an offensive line that has slowly deteriorated. Nate Herbig and Troy Fautanu also suffered season-ending injuries.
We do not know the severity of the injury; suffice it to say that following the game, he was in a boot and walking on crutches.
The Steelers game just went down hill after the Daniels injury
Following Daniels' injury, the Steelers found themselves in a 17-0 hole. By the end of the second quarter, they could only manage three points. The deficit forced the Steelers to abandon much of their running game due to an injury to Cordarrelle Patterson, who had six carries for 43 yards until his injury.
A knee injury to Jalen Warren last week left the Steelers with only Najee Harris, who banged himself a bit, and backup Aaron Shampklin. This meant Fields would need to win the arm. It's not a scenario the Steelers wanted to see, let alone Mike Tomlin, with the loss of James Daniels.
Even Anthony Richardson's early injury didn't matter, as the Colts' quarterback backup is the former arch-enemy of the Steelers, Joe Flacco, who once led the Ravens. While he didn't have a dynamic performance against the Steelers, they do not shake Flacco. He's played the Steelers' defense too often to be intimidated by it.
To make things worse, the Steelers briefly had an injury scare with Nick Herbig, who suffered an ankle injury as well. While ruled questionable to return, he did come back into the game. The question is, will it cause him to miss next week's game?
Then, turnovers played a crucial role. George Pickens's fumble turned out to be the difference maker. He fumbled in the red zone, meaning the Steelers lost out on at least three points. Considering they lost 24-27, this meant they could have, at worst, tied the game or won if Pickens had not fumbled.
The Steelers have played worse games over the years, thus this game was not a total disaster. Justin Fields did prove he could pass and win with his arm, which might have happened if not for a series of unfortunate events, including injuries, miscues, and fumbles. Even Darnell Washington proved he had relevance in the Steelers passing game.
Too many things went wrong for the Steelers that they could not overcome and pull out a win.