Rodgers strikes twice, Boswell nails 48-yard FG as Steelers take 17-13 lead over Colts at halftime

The Steelers carried a 17-13 halftime lead into the locker room Sunday, paced by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who connected for two touchdown passes and steered Pittsburgh’s offense through key stretches against the Colts. The scoring summary set the tone early, but the back half of the first quarter and late first half ultimately determined the halftime margin.

Rodgers’ first touchdown pass went for 80 yards to running back Jaylen Warren, giving the Steelers a substantial chunk of their points on a big-play strike. The touchdown was also notable in the all-time totals, as the 80-yard connection marked Rodgers’ 580th career touchdown pass, a milestone that moves him past Peyton Manning into third place on the list, including postseason production.

Later in the same half, Rodgers added another score, finding tight end Pat Freiermuth for a one-yard touchdown. That second touchdown made it 14-13 at one point during the closing moments of the first half, tightening the contest and underscoring how efficiently the Steelers converted red-zone opportunities.

Pittsburgh’s final first-half point came from the kicking game. Chris Boswell split the uprights on a 48-yard field goal late in the first half, pushing the Steelers ahead 17-13 and ensuring that even after the Colts’ response, the home team would control the halftime number.

For the Colts, the halftime deficit is a reminder that keeping drives alive and limiting explosive plays will matter if they want to stay in the game after trading touchdowns and allowing the kinds of plays that quickly change the complexion of a matchup. With a four-point gap, they still have full runway to respond in the second half rather than chasing a steep deficit.

What to watch next is whether Pittsburgh can sustain the same efficiency as it transitions from a first-half scoring script into the late-game margin management that typically decides close matches. For Indianapolis, the emphasis at halftime will likely be on defensive adjustments to reduce the damage from long-range scoring and to create enough offensive momentum to flip the lead in the third quarter.

With Rodgers’ milestone and the Steelers’ ability to produce two passing touchdowns plus a late field goal, the halftime picture is clear: Pittsburgh’s offense has created separation, but the Colts have kept the game within striking distance. The second half will determine whether that halftime lead grows into a comfortable advantage or tightens further into a one-possession finish.