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          Jonathan Taylor, Josh Downs score early TDs against Steelers

          • Stephen Holder, ESPNSep 29, 2024, 01:23 PM ET
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              Stephen joined ESPN in 2022, covering the Indianapolis Colts and NFL at large. Stephen finished first place in column writing in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, and he is a previous top-10 winner in explanatory journalism in the Associated Press Sports Editors national contest. He has chronicled the NFL since 2005, covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2013 and the Colts since 2013. He has previously worked for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Indianapolis Star and The Athletic.

          INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Colts made the Pittsburgh Steelers' vaunted defense look mortal throughout the first half.

          Colts running back Jonathan Taylor scored on a 2-yard touchdown run, capping an eight-play, 70-yard opening drive that gave Indianapolis a 7-0 lead.

          Prior to Sunday, the Steelers hadn't allowed an opening-drive TD since Week 14 of last season against the Patriots, according to ESPN Research. But on this drive, the Colts benefited from a huge 32-yard completion between quarterback Anthony Richardson and Michael Pittman Jr. on the first play. Taylor then contributed 29 yards on five rushes.

          Joe Flacco entered the game on the Colts' second offensive series after Richardson sustained a hip injury. Flacco hit receiver Josh Downs for a 4-yard touchdown pass with 2:38 left in the first quarter. Richardson was ruled out after he went down again following a 1-yard run with roughly four minutes remaining in the first half.

          Indianapolis scored on its third drive with a 33-yard field goal from Matt Gay. The last time the Steelers allowed three straight scoring drives was last year against the Colts in Week 15, according to ESPN Research.

          Pittsburgh entered the game as the league's best in points allowed per game (8.7) and yards allowed per game (229). Indianapolis led 17-3 with 239 yards of total offense by halftime.

          The Steelers hadn't given up 17 or more points in the first half since Week 17 of last season, per ESPN Research.