INDIANAPOLIS — The Pittsburgh Steelers got another big special teams play, and turned it into seven quick points in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday.
It was a pair of Steelers little brothers that linked up on the play, as tight end Connor Heyward blocked Rigoberto Sanchez’ punt on the first play of the second quarter. Outside linebacker Nick Herbig fell on the ball at the 1-yard line.
Connor Heyward blocks it. Nick Herbig recovers it. Steelers take over near the goal line!
📺: #PITvsIND on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/vtmfEKvOLy pic.twitter.com/NzU0N2yp72— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2023
It was the second fully blocked punt of the season. Miles Killebrew had the other one and he also partially blocked a punt against the New England Patriots last week that led to a Steelers touchdown.
The offense made quick work of this red zone opportunity. After Najee Harris was pushed back on first down, Mitch Trubisky took the second-down snap, looked to his left and fired a strike to Diontae Johnson, who scampered to the pylon for his fourth touchdown of the season to give the Steelers a 13-0 lead.
Trubisky to Diontae Johnson and the @Steelers are in business early
📺: #PITvsIND on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/vtmfEKvOLy pic.twitter.com/xMTnFbHN8n— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2023
Only three NFL teams have blocked a punt this season, Pittsburgh, the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers are the first team in the league to block two punts this season. It’s the first time a team has blocked two punts in the same season since the Cowboys did it in 2021.
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