PITTSBURGH — Head coach Mike Tomlin did not hold back following Sunday’s narrow finish against the Indianapolis Colts. The Pittsburgh Steelers came away with the win, but a late-game turnover from wide receiver Quez Wilson nearly allowed Indianapolis to stage an unexpected comeback — and Tomlin made it clear he was not happy about it.
With just under four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Wilson attempted to squeeze extra yards after a routine reception. Instead of going down to secure possession and allow the clock to keep running, he fought through multiple defenders and ultimately lost the football. The Colts recovered the fumble and capitalized with a quick scoring drive, cutting what had been a comfortable lead into a one-score game.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Tomlin called the decision-making on the play “unacceptable” and “stupid situational football.”
“We talk about it every week — ball security is non-negotiable,” Tomlin said. “At that point in the game, we’re in command. Your only job is to protect possession. Instead, we give them life. That’s just a stupid play. It can’t happen.”
Wilson, who finished the game with five receptions for 62 yards, took responsibility in the locker room. “I was trying to make a play. I thought I could break it,” he admitted. “But coach is right. Clock and possession matter. I’ve got to be smarter.”
Veteran teammates echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing accountability while also supporting Wilson.
“This is the NFL. One play can change everything,” running back Najee Harris said. “We love Quez. He works hard. But situational awareness — that’s part of being a pro.”
Despite the criticism, Tomlin clarified that the mistake would not overshadow Wilson’s value to the team, but said consequences and corrections were necessary.
“You learn from it, and we move on,” Tomlin said. “But lessons don’t mean anything if you don’t apply them.”
With a challenging stretch of schedule ahead, including matchups with multiple AFC playoff contenders, the Steelers cannot afford similar lapses. For a team that prides itself on discipline and physicality, avoiding self-inflicted mistakes may determine how far they go this season.
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