Pittsburgh Steelers 28-7 Indianapolis Colts
Friday 25 November 2016 08:25, UK
Antonio Brown scored three touchdowns as the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Indianapolis Colts 28-7. The Colts started back up quarterback Scott Tolzein after Andrew Luck suffered a concussion in week 11, but it was the Indianapolis defence that couldn't control Pittsburgh's passing attack.
In 140 characters...
The Steelers never looked trouble as they controlled injury plagued Colts. Brown's three touchdowns enough to move Pittsburgh top of AFC North.
MVP
Antonio Brown's three touchdown haul was a timely reminder how good he is. From just five receptions, Brown recorded 91 yards and a hat-trick, averaging over 18 yards a catch.
Game-changer
With seven minutes left to go, Tolzein threw a short pass which Steelers cornerback Mike Mitchell intercepted. Pittsburgh took full advantage, Ben Roethlisberger throwing downfield to Ladarius Green before connecting with Brown for a third touchdown pass, and a 21-point lead.
Stat of the night
13 - Roethlisberger has 13 touchdowns in his last three games against Indianapolis, with zero interceptions or sacks.
The game
Starting his first game since 2013, Scott Tolzein found himself under pressure early. In place of Andrew Luck, who was ruled out with a concussion, the back up fumbled on his first play after pressure from William Gay and the Colts never recovered, punting away into Steelers territory.
Pittsburgh took over at midfield, and immediately Roethlisberger connected with Eli Rogers for a 30-yard gain. Two plays later running back Le'Veon Bell found the end zone for a five-yard touchdown to open the scoring.
On his second drive Tolzein registered two first downs before he was sacked, forcing a 50-yard field goal attempt which Adam Vinatieri sent wide right.
The Steelers doubled their lead at the end of the first quarter. Bell led the charge with four runs for a combined 33 yards, before Roethlisberger found Brown with a 25-yard touchdown pass.
The Colts got on the board early in the second period as punter Pat McAfee threw a 35-yard pass to Erik Swoope, before Tolzein combined with Donte Moncrief for a five-yard pass.
However, Pittsburgh made it 21-7 as Roethlisberger found Ladarius Green for 33 yards before Brown caught a 32-yard pass at the back of the end zone, getting both feet down to make the score.
The Colts were successful in getting down the field but, twice in short and goal situations, the Colts came away with no points after running the ball on fourth down.
The Steelers took advantage as Brown scored his third touchdown in the fourth quarter, taking the game beyond a depleted Colts team.
The win moves Pittsburgh to the top of the AFC North, with the Baltimore Ravens still to play their week 12 game against the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday.
Indianapolis missed the opportunity to draw level on wins with the Houston Texans in the AFC South. They will hope that Luck, as well as wide receiver T.Y Hilton who left this game with a back injury, will return to their ranks soon enough.
Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get 12 months half price. Hurry, offer ends December 4!
