There was a huge swing in momentum Monday night between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts. After the Steelers controlled the game for much of the first half, their kickoff team gave up an 89-yard return by Dallis Flowers that the Colts turned into points.
That was a key part of the second-half collapse, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. While Tomlin was pleased with the play of many players in what turned out to be a 24-17 win, he noted after the game and again Tuesday that the coverage was not good.
“We were missing Miles Boykin and Robert Spillane, but boy, it’s not acceptable,” Tomlin said.
Thankfully the Steelers were able to weather the storm after that momentum shift and regroup in the fourth quarter. As Tomlin noted, multiple key special teamers were out with injuries, and another key player, running back Benny Snell, was forced into the starting lineup.
Tomlin also noted that the Atlanta Falcons have a very good return game, and Pittsburgh faces off with them next week.
