INDIANAPOLIS – Some games punch you in the mouth. Others test your will. And then there are games like Pittsburgh’s Week 11 thriller in Indianapolis, games that rip your heart out, hand it back, and ask if you are ready to keep fighting anyway.
The Steelers marched into Lucas Oil Stadium riding a five game winning streak and carrying one of the hottest offenses in the league. But by the time the final whistle sounded in overtime, Pittsburgh walked off the field with a 53-47 loss, a bitter ending to a game filled with fireworks, resilience, and moments that will sit in the stomach far longer than a normal defeat.
This was not just a loss.
This was an emotional marathon.
The Steelers erased a 17 point fourth quarter deficit, forced overtime through sheer willpower, and still had a chance to win on the final drive.
But in the end, self inflicted mistakes, defensive breakdowns, and a missed opportunity in overtime left Pittsburgh stunned.
Ridder Puts Up Numbers but Cannot Close It Out
Desmond Ridder has put together one of the best stretches of his career this season, and statistically, Week 11 added another strong performance. Ridder finished with 436 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and a 94.5 NFL Passer Rating while going 35 of 53 through the air.
But this game will ultimately be remembered for one throw.
In overtime, on fourth down, Ridder had tight end Brock Wright wide open on a simple wheel route that would have extended the drive and put the Steelers in Colts territory. Instead, Ridder sailed the pass high, a ball he completes nine times out of ten, ending Pittsburgh’s final possession and handing Indianapolis the opportunity to win the game.
That moment stung. Ridder owned it in the locker room afterward, acknowledging that it was a throw he simply cannot miss.
His other interception came earlier on a deep shot intended for DK Metcalf, a fifty fifty ball that Greeny’s defense turned into a takeaway.
Still, the majority of Ridder’s night showed composure, accuracy, and command. You do not throw for over four hundred yards without making high level decisions and high level plays.
The quarterback did not fold. He battled.
Kaleb Johnson Ignites the Offense
Though the run game was limited by game script, Kaleb Johnson turned in one of the most electrifying performances of his young career.
10 carries for 31 yards and 2 touchdowns
121 receiving yards
1 receiving touchdown
Johnson shredded the Colts’ linebackers in space, broke tackles after short receptions, and carried Pittsburgh during their furious fourth quarter comeback. His receiving touchdown helped ignite momentum that seemed lost moments earlier.
Johnson continues to look like a future superstar, a player who delivers when the lights get brightest.
Nate Carter Does His Part
While Johnson handled the explosive plays, Nate Carter chipped in with 5 carries for 22 yards and a crucial rushing touchdown. His physicality in short yardage downs helped Pittsburgh sustain drives early, even if the numbers did not jump off the stat sheet.
Brock Wright Steps Up in Jonnu Smith’s Absence
When Jonnu Smith exited early with an injury, backup tight end Brock Wright stepped up in a massive way, finishing with 6 catches for 83 yards and a touchdown.
Wright became a reliable chain mover throughout the game and delivered several clutch receptions during Pittsburgh’s comeback push.
His performance was gritty, dependable, and essential.
Unfortunately, it will be overshadowed by the overtime misfire, a play where Wright did everything right, but the ball simply did not find his hands.
Limited Production for the Receivers
This game was defined by effort everywhere, but not every stat line was flashy.
DK Metcalf had 2 catches for 42 yards, both of which came in key moments.
Alec Pierce added 6 catches for 39 yards, working underneath to help sustain tempo.
Roman Wilson contributed a highlight moment with a 30 yard touchdown, beating the Colts secondary deep in the game.
Defensive Collapse Overshadows Defensive Effort
The Steelers defense had several individual bright spots, but the overall performance was inconsistent and ultimately costly.
The turning point came late in overtime when the Colts faced a fourth down. A miscommunication between two Steelers corners left the deep sideline wide open, resulting in a walk in touchdown that ended it.
It was a breakdown that simply cannot happen.
Not in overtime.
Not in a division race.
Not in a game with playoff implications.
Even so, there were positive standouts:
Payton Wilson:
12 tackles, flying everywhere and stabilizing the second level.
Patrick Queen:
11 tackles, rewarding instincts, relentless pursuit.
Isaiah Simmons:
9 tackles, showing his usual range.
In the trenches, the Steelers recorded 3 sacks total:
Alex Highsmith – 1 sack
Jailin Walker – 1 sack
Derrick Harmon – 1 sack
However, the defense could not contain the Colts offense.
Anthony Richardson Takes Over
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson played nearly flawless football:
149.0 NFL Passer Rating
398 passing yards
19 of 22 passing
2 passing touchdowns
36 rushing yards
1 rushing touchdown
He was surgical, efficient, and dangerous. Every Pittsburgh mistake, mental or physical, Richardson punished without hesitation.
Jonathan Taylor Runs Wild
Pittsburgh’s defensive front struggled with gap discipline and tackling against Jonathan Taylor, who exploded for 22 carries, 169 yards, and 2 touchdowns.
Taylor’s vision and burst repeatedly gashed the Steelers, especially in early downs, putting the Colts in manageable situations all night.
The Comeback That Almost Was
Down 17 points in the fourth quarter, the Steelers could have folded.
They did not.
They fought back.
They clawed back.
They forced overtime.
This team has heart, real heart, and their resilience should not be ignored.
But overtime came down to one offensive miss and one defensive stop that never occurred.
The Final Word
This loss hurts.
It stings.
It frustrates.
But it also reveals something important:
The Steelers can hang with anyone in the league.
They can score with anyone.
They can respond to adversity.
They can punch back.
Now the challenge is simple:
Fix the defensive lapses.
Clean up the miscues.
Get back in the win column.
Week 12 becomes a statement opportunity.
– Forged In Steel Times
