Flacco helps Colts get past Steelers | News, sports, jobs

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — When the Indianapolis Colts needed Joe Flacco to replace the injured Anthony Richardson, the 17-year veteran kept it simple.

The 39-year-old Flacco threw two touchdown passes and the Colts got the stop they needed in the final minute to secure a 27-24 victory over the previously unbeaten Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

“You just see the guy and hit him. That’s all you do,” Flacco said after going 16 of 26 for 168 yards. “Some guys like to think about every little thing and that’s how they play best. But I think my personality is suitable for such a situation. Just don’t think about it too much.”

The former Super Bowl MVP and longtime nemesis of the Steelers during his 11 seasons with Baltimore proved he could still play at a high level last season when he helped the Cleveland Browns reach the playoffs. Indy signed Flacco as a free agent to back up the injury-prone Richardson.

Richardson left the ball twice in four plays, first taking a hard hit to the right hip and later a hard hit to the head, both on targeted runs. The second time, he went straight to the locker room and was eliminated when he returned to the sideline.

Coach Shane Steichen had no immediate information about Richardson or running back Jonathan Taylor, who suffered an ankle injury in the final minutes.

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