By admin 
The Indianapolis Colts lost 34-22 to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but Quenton Nelson gave the offensive line a performance worth recognizing. The veteran guard earned an 86.9 overall Pro Football Focus grade, the highest of any player in the matchup. Nelson’s performance showed that he could win his individual battles even when the offense struggled to finish drives. His pass protection provided Daniel Jones opportunities to attack downfield, while his run blocking remained a bright spot on a difficult afternoon.
Read more Steelers Preparing for LB Trade?
Nelson also posted an 86.7 pass-blocking grade and an 81.9 run-blocking grade, allowing just one pressure across 47 pass-blocking snaps. However, he was not the only Colt who delivered. Tight end Tyler Warren led Indianapolis in receiving with seven catches for 83 yards and scored a rushing touchdown on a short goal-line play. His 29-yard reception helped the Colts generate a much-needed explosive play.
Josh Downs also made an impact with a 42-yard catch, giving the passing game a spark despite Alec Pierce’s absence. Kicker Spencer Shrader was equally dependable, converting all five field-goal attempts and his extra point. Those contributions kept Indianapolis within striking distance, but the offense needed more touchdowns to turn its opportunities into a comeback.
Red-Zone Failures Turned Promising Drives Into Field Goals
Indianapolis moved the ball well enough to stay competitive, but it could not finish drives. The Colts converted only one of three red-zone possessions into a touchdown and settled for five field goals. That left points on the table against a Pittsburgh offense that repeatedly found the end zone.
Read more 4 Truths and 1 Lie About the Denver Broncos Heading Into Week 6 vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Colts allowed Jaylen Warren to score on an 80-yard reception and a 50-yard run. Those two plays changed the game, exposing tackling problems that have persisted throughout the season. Pittsburgh also converted 11 of 15 third downs, keeping its offense on the field and limiting Indianapolis’ opportunities to recover.
Indianapolis hosts the winless Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, October 18. The Colts enter the matchup at 2-3, while Tennessee is 0-5. It is a favorable opportunity, but Indianapolis cannot assume the result will take care of itself.
Read more Three Trades Lions Could Make to Acquire Budda Baker
More on the Indianapolis Colts
- Colts Slide in Every Major NFL Power Ranking as the Heat Starts Building on Shane Steichen
- Indianapolis Colts’ Run Defense Ranks Last in EPA Under Lou Anarumo
- Why Did the Colts Sign Germaine Pratt? Veteran LB Returns After Starting 12 Games for Indy
- Where Are the Colts in NFL Power Rankings Following Blowout Loss to Steelers Week 5?
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published October 14, 2026 at 5:03 AM.