Steelers Survive Against Colts

The Pittsburgh Steelers survived against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football 23-20.  Surprisingly, the Colts were in contention late against the defending AFC champs although their starting quarterback was knocked out of the game.

After the Colts started the season 0-2 including a home loss against the Cleveland Browns last week, most people were expecting a decisive win by the Steelers.  It wasn't so easy.  Dwight Freeney sacked Ben Roethlisberger and forced a fumble that was returned by Jamaal Anderson for a touchdown.  Anderson's touchdown made the score 10-10 in the second quarter.  Adam Vinatieri tacked on a 25-yard field goal to give the Colts a 13-10 halftime lead.

Kerry Collins suffered a concussion and was replaced by Colts backup quarterback Curtis Painter.  Steelers linebacker James Harrison sacked Painter and forced a fumble that was returned for a touchdown by Troy Polamalu.  The touchdown gave the Steelers a 20-13 lead with 5:13 remaining in the game.

Curtis Painter then led the Colts on a methodical 80-yard touchdown drive.  Joseph Addai scored on a 6-yard touchdown run to even the score at 20-20.  It was then Big Ben's turn as he led the Steelers on a 60-yard drive setting up a 38-yard field goal by Shaun Suisham to give the Steelers a 23-20 win.