3 insane things that happened in the Steelers comeback win over Colts

In the end, this was the game everyone should have been watching 

It only took a month, but the words many have waited to say can be uttered.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially the champions of the AFC North.

A 28-24 victory over the Indianapolis Colts solidified the division title for a team that’s struggled to find its rhythm. While they’re far from a Super Bowl contending team, a game against Indianapolis’ defense might be the ticket needed to improve just enough to win in the postseason.

Both teams impressed depending on the quarter. However, a massive implosion from the Colts defense late secured the win in the Steel City. A tale of 15-minute intervals, fans of both teams will have plenty to discuss with both the good and the bad.

These however were the highlight moments.

Three insane things that happened in the Steelers-Colts game

3. Philip Rivers enters the top five history books

Philip Rivers might be the most controversial player when it comes to mentioning the Hall of Fame. His numbers are great, but he’s never been to a Super Bowl, let alone a conference championship game in his illustrious career.

Now, that argument should be over since his record-breaking status is complete.

During the second quarter, Rivers connected with Zach Pascal for a 42-yard touchdown, giving Indianapolis a 21-7 lead. That would become his 420th career touchdown pass, tying him in Pittsburgh native and Dolphin legend Dan Marino for fifth on the NFL’s all-time touchdown list.

This could be the final call for Rivers if the Colts elect to go younger under center. If that’d be the case, he’ll need one more score to secure this status as one of the most underrated players to ever throw a touchdown.

Seriously, he’s top five in touchdowns and we’re still arguing.

2. Ben Roethlisberger looked like Big Ben

This feels like a jab at the veteran who soon will be a member of the Canton greats, but it’s not. Randy Fichtner stated that he isn’t afraid of spreading the ball downfield. Against the Cincinnati Bengals, he averaged 4.5 yards per play.

What is it about veteran quarterback playing well against better defense? That’s what happened in the second half for Ben Roethlisberger. He finished throwing for 342 yards and completed nearly 70 percent of his passes.

https://twitter.com/steelers/status/1343288210634518530

The second half was pinpoint accurate for the aging quarterback. All three of his touchdowns came in the final 18 minutes. Meanwhile, two of those scores came from over 25 yards, both heading towards the end zone.

Roethlisberger’s average pass also skyrocketed to his liking of 7.3 yards per play.

This is a very talented Colts’ secondary that has held better quarterbacks to fewer yards. Last week, it looked like the offense would be stalled moving forward for Pittsburgh. Instead, when Roethlisberger is on, the Steelers can win crucial games.

1. The AFC North title was finally clinched, and the losing streak is over

Since looking back at the Steelers’ losing streak, one could say it was a drive away from going in the opposite direction. Each week, Pittsburgh hung tough but ultimately faltered in favor of the opposing team.

This time, a drive went in their favor. However, don’t think Steelers fans were sitting on the edge of their seat, screaming ‘here we go again’ at full volume.

Rivers nearly threw a costly interception to Steven Nelson to seal the game with just under two minutes remaining. Instead, the drive continued thanks to an interference call on the corner.

Another third down, another conversation. The Colts players were keeping the clock in their favor, stepping out of bounds in just the right amount of time. However, another fourth down arrived, meaning this could be it.

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Rivers felt the pressure from rookie Alex Highsmith, rushed the throw and missed Pascal in double coverage.

That’s ballgame. That’s the division.

The Steelers had three weeks to clinch the division before a must-win game against the Cleveland Browns. With Cleveland losing to the Jets, that’s a pissed off club looking to make the postseason for the first time in 18 years.

Instead, they don’t have to worry anymore about what happens next. The North title is theirs and it ended in just a perfect Pittsburgh way.