Steelers offense rolling heading into pivotal stretch

But if these Steelers are to have a 2015 postseason that threatens to extend itself toward February, it’s their defense that will be responsible, not in a sense of carrying this team but in the sense of being more.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) celebrates his touchdown catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in Pittsburgh.

So the game last night was rough. He was also sacked twice and ended the game with a 61.2 passer rating. And that’s when the Colts were being anointed as the Super Bowl favorites. TE Coby Fleener made a team-high four receptions for 20 yards. Additionally, the loss didn’t impact the Colts playoff race negatively.

So while the game was abysmal, it wasn’t the worst thing in the world. Not much to complain about in a 35-point victory.

Enough about that, let’s get to some awards. “I would hope that I could”. “We have a great offensive line and running back…” Brown saved this celebration for a point in the game when the Steelers wouldn’t necessarily be harmed by the 15-yard penalty so what’s the problem? The duo combined for three touchdowns on 29 carries for 172 yards.

Hasselbeck said he suffered the injuries on two separate plays. Name one thing this team does particularly well, kicking and punting don’t count. He recorded one catch for 33 yards. “It’s early still. I haven’t seen Matt…haven’t had a conversation with him”. I got hit on the top of the head and kind of just got my head compressed into my neck, or into my, you know, whatever. “Players are going out there making great plays”. Hasselbeck, the league’s oldest quarterback, underwent X-rays after the game and admitted to being in “a little bit of pain”.

That’s probably why I’m not a coach.

Starting in Pittsburgh territory for the third time in their first five possessions, the Colts actually produce a touchdown as Hasselbeck completes two to Andre Johnson for 44 yards, setting up a nine-yard toss to Gore for a 10-6 lead. Instead, Pagano elected to punt. “The more that they believe in me, the more they put the ball in my grip, the easier it is”. “(We) are going to attack every day.

Boykin’s interception led to a 51-yard field goal from Chris Boswell that gave the Steelers a 6-3 lead.

Now, in hindsight, neither of these calls had a huge outcome on the game.

Ok, so Pagano gets two awards today. In a game of matchups the Colts did not match up well in this one. Coming into the game they had done that 22 times all season. Pagano said left tackle Anthony Castonzo (right knee) is “doing better” but is still week to week.

The good news is that if the Colts do need Whitehurst, he has some knowledge of the Jaguars’ defense. Three division games, two at home.

-PASSING OFFENSE: A-plus. The Steelers tortured the Colts pass defense for a second year in a row. Of course, they didn’t score on that drive, and it felt momentum had swung back to Pittsburgh. Then we got another turnover and settled for three. “They are an explosive offense and once they got into a groove they took off”. The longest play of the night went to running back Frank Gore on a 34-yard reception. Despite the disappointing season, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has been playing extremely well. Luck knows the offense better than Hasselbeck and has the ability to overcome any of the Colts’ costly mistakes, including his own.

No time has been given as to when Luck is expected to resume practice or be able to play in a game.