Game story
In Week 12 of the 2005 NFL season on 2005-11-28, the Indianapolis Colts took care of business against the Pittsburgh Steelers, pulling away with a 26–7 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) paced the passing game, with -2.57 total EPA.
On the individual side, M. Harrison (Indianapolis Colts) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +7.14 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+14.6% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Indianapolis Colts changed the game: (13:26) 18-P.Manning pass to 88-M.Harrison for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 10 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 26 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Harrison · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +7.14 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.79 EPA/play
- 2 R. Wayne · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +5.80 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.16 EPA/play
- 3 H. Ward · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +5.53 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.84 EPA/play
- 4 B. Fletcher · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +4.17 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.39 EPA/play
- 5 P. Manning · Indianapolis Colts · Passing · +3.43 total EPA · 29 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
- 6 C. Wilson · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +3.23 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.08 EPA/play
- 7 B. Stokley · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +1.74 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.74 EPA/play
- 8 D. Clark · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +0.89 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Harrison — IND · Receiving
M. Harrison posted the highest total EPA (+7.14) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Indianapolis Colts's efficiency. Across 4 counted snaps, they averaged +1.79 EPA per play.
The signature play (-6.29 EPA) came from Indianapolis Colts: (3:21) 18-P.Manning pass intended for 88-M.Harrison INTERCEPTED by 43-T.Polamalu at IND 43. 43-T.Polamalu to IND 7 for 36 yards (81-B.Fletcher).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Indianapolis Colts — M. Harrison (P. Manning pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — H. Ward (B. Roethlisberger pass)
- Indianapolis Colts — B. Fletcher (P. Manning pass)
Field goals
- Indianapolis Colts — M. Vanderjagt
- Indianapolis Colts — M. Vanderjagt
- Indianapolis Colts — M. Vanderjagt
- Indianapolis Colts — M. Vanderjagt
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 10–7. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the PIT 80 (Q1 58:26) — (13:26) 18-P.Manning pass to 88-M.Harrison for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q1 58:16) — 13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the PIT 11 (Q1 51:11) — (6:11) 13-M.Vanderjagt 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the IND 12 (Q1 46:18) — (1:18) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q1 46:14) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki..
The second quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 6–0. Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the PIT 30 (Q2 35:27) — (5:27) 13-M.Vanderjagt 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the PIT 26 (Q2 30:04) — (:04) 13-M.Vanderjagt 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith..
The third quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 7–0. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the PIT 12 (Q3 26:51) — (11:51) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass to 81-B.Fletcher for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q3 26:47).
The fourth quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 3–0. Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the PIT 10 (Q4 1:41) — (1:41) 13-M.Vanderjagt 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q1 58:26) — (13:26) 18-P.Manning pass to 88-M.Harrison for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 40:02) — (10:02) 3-J.Reed 41 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q1 48:21) — (3:21) 18-P.Manning pass intended for 88-M.Harrison INTERCEPTED by 43-T.Polamalu at IND 43. 43-T.Polamalu to IND 7 for 36 yards (81-B.Fletcher).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 30:27) — (:27) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass intended for 86-H.Ward INTERCEPTED by 20-M.Doss at IND 32. 20-M.Doss to IND 40 for 8 yards (64-J.Hartings). PENALTY on PIT-64-J.Hartings, Low Block, 15 yards, e
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 46:18) — (1:18) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q1 48:21) — (3:21) 18-P.Manning pass intended for 88-M.Harrison INTERCEPTED by 43-T.Polamalu at IND 43. 43-T.Polamalu to IND 7 for 36 yards (81-B.Fletcher).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q1 58:26) — (13:26) 18-P.Manning pass to 88-M.Harrison for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 40:02) — (10:02) 3-J.Reed 41 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 80-C.Wilson to IND 46 for 35 yards (20-M.Doss).
Quarterback report card
B.Roethlisberger led all passers in efficiency for Pittsburgh Steelers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- B.Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 31 dropbacks · 54.8% completion · -0.08 EPA/play · -2.57 total EPA
- P.Manning (Indianapolis Colts) · 29 dropbacks · 51.7% completion · +0.12 EPA/play · +3.43 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Pittsburgh Steelers | Indianapolis Colts |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.218 | +0.015 |
| Offensive success rate | 37.7% | 41.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.083 | +0.118 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.386 | -0.118 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.015 | +0.218 |
| Defensive success rate | 58.2% | 62.3% |
By the numbers
Indianapolis Colts held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.01 vs -0.22), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Indianapolis Colts: 12 drives, +1.19 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 12 drives, -16.77 total EPA, 1 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Indianapolis Colts leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- M. Harrison (Indianapolis Colts) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q1 58:26 · PIT 80 · Score 0-6
(13:26) 18-P.Manning pass to 88-M.Harrison for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q1 58:16 · PIT 2 · Score 0-7
13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith. - Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q1 51:11 · PIT 11 · Score 0-10
(6:11) 13-M.Vanderjagt 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 46:18 · IND 12 · Score 6-10
(1:18) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 46:14 · IND 2 · Score 7-10
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-17-C.Gardocki. - Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q2 35:27 · PIT 30 · Score 7-13
(5:27) 13-M.Vanderjagt 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith. - Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q2 30:04 · PIT 26 · Score 7-16
(:04) 13-M.Vanderjagt 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q3 26:51 · PIT 12 · Score 7-22
(11:51) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass to 81-B.Fletcher for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q3 26:47 · PIT 2 · Score 7-23
13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith. PENALTY on PIT-81-S.Morey, Running Into the Kicker, 5 yards, enforced between downs. - Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q4 1:41 · PIT 10 · Score 7-26
(1:41) 13-M.Vanderjagt 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Pittsburgh Steelers vs Indianapolis Colts?
The Indianapolis Colts beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 26-7 in Week 12, 2005 on 2005-11-28.
What was the final score of Pittsburgh Steelers vs Indianapolis Colts?
The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers 7, Indianapolis Colts 26 (PIT 7-26 IND) in Week 12, 2005 on 2005-11-28.
What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Indianapolis Colts?
Q1: Pittsburgh Steelers 7, Indianapolis Colts 10; Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 0, Indianapolis Colts 6; Q3: Pittsburgh Steelers 0, Indianapolis Colts 7; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 0, Indianapolis Colts 3; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 7, Indianapolis Colts 26.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Indianapolis Colts?
Indianapolis Colts touchdown — M. Harrison (P. Manning pass) (Q1 58:26) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — H. Ward (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q1 46:18) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — B. Fletcher (P. Manning pass) (Q3 26:51) Indianapolis Colts field goal — M. Vanderjagt (Q1 51:11, 3 pts) Indianapolis Colts field goal — M. Vanderjagt (Q2 35:27, 3 pts) Indianapolis Colts field goal — M. Vanderjagt (Q2 30:04, 3 pts) Indianapolis Colts field goal — M. Vanderjagt (Q4 1:41, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Indianapolis Colts?
B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 54.8% completion, -0.08 EPA per dropback, -2.57 total passing EPA. P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts), 51.7% completion, +0.12 EPA per dropback, +3.43 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Indianapolis Colts?
M. Harrison (Indianapolis Colts) led the game in total EPA with +7.14 on receiving plays. across 4 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-6.29 EPA): (3:21) 18-P.Manning pass intended for 88-M.Harrison INTERCEPTED by 43-T.Polamalu at IND 43. 43-T.Polamalu to IND 7 for 36 yards (81-B.Fletcher).. The biggest win-probability swing was +14.6%.
Season records after this game
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 7-3 Now 7-4 L
Indianapolis Colts
Entered 10-0 Now 11-0 W
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