Watch: Heyward block, Herbig recovery sets up second Steelers TD

Steel City Underground will pick an exceptional play of the game as a highlight each week of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 NFL regular season. Stay tuned as we hand-select the very best from the Black and Gold!

On Saturday, December 16, the Pittsburgh Steelers came out hot early in the Week 15 game on the road against the Indianapolis Colts. In the second game in a row, a blocked punt played a factor in giving the Steelers points on the scoreboard. Although Pittsburgh lost the game, the play was truly a highlight that showcased the talent of two young members of the squad.

The Steelers got on the scoreboard first after Mitchell Trubisky led the offense 54 yards down the field on 12 plays and took the ball into the end zone himself. Despite the fact that officials initially believed he’d lost the ball (recovered by Najee Harris), review showed the football clearly crossed the plane of the goal line. Touchdown. Chris Boswell missed the point after attempt.

The Steelers defense once again held the Colts offense, forcing Indianapolis to punt from deep in their own territory. On the fourth-and-ten play from the Colts’ 25 Rigoberto Sanchez took the snap and attempted the kick. Instead of special teams ace and captain Miles Killebrew – who has been blocking punts like a mad man for Pittsburgh – tight end Connor Heyward was able to get off the line quickly. Linebacker Nick Herbig did as well.

Heyward reached out to bat the ball, knocking it back towards the end zone. Herbig, already in great position, scrambled and corraled the ball in the end zone.

https://twitter.com/steelers/status/1736145777162854582?t=kXDeSV8sxTHgoB7oWJqDTA&s=19

The timing and pressure up front couldn’t have been any better as the center of the Steelers’ special teams group blasted the middle right at Sanchez.

Officials determined that Herbig recovered the ball but was down by contact before crossing the goal line with possession of the loose ball.

.@steelers @nickherbig_ with the punt block recovery. What a 4th round steal #OnWisconsin #Herewego #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/aKdoLrehKi

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) December 16, 2023

The Steelers offense took over at the Indianapolis one-yard line, and after a failed Harris rush attempt, Trubisky hit Diontae Johnson out a rub route short left for an easy touchdown. With the successful Boswell PAT, the Steelers went up 13-0 on the Colts.