A weekly series I do that captures the forgotten and hidden plays that helped the Pittsburgh Steelers win or lose. Not the touchdowns, turnovers, or plays that will make the Monday morning highlights – the little ones that, looking back, played a key role in the outcome. I’ll start with a hidden moment that helped the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9.

Metcalf Atones For Last Week’s Mistake

A costly penalty and hefty fine are great “sticks” to not touch the hot stove again. As part of the Steelers’ unraveling against the Green Bay Packers last Sunday, WR DK Metcalf was flagged 15 yards for his post-play eye jab/helmet grab that turned a 3rd and 2 into a 3rd and 17. A potential conversion into a punt.

The NFL fined Metcalf more than $12,000 for his actions.

So when a similar situation arose yesterday, Metcalf showed he had learned his lesson.

At the end of the first half on 3rd and 2 with Pittsburgh nearing field goal range, QB Aaron Rodgers handed the ball off to RB Kenneth Gainwell. An RPO, run-pass option, with WR Calvin Austin III running an arrow route to the flat. Gainwell gained 3 yards and converted, but the Steelers still had work to do to get into Chris Boswell’s range.

Blocking for Austin on the play, Metcalf played physical but legal, tossing CB Kenny Moore II down. Teammate Jaylon Jones, in his first game back since Week 1, took exception and ran over to let Metcalf know about it.

Metcalf could’ve fought back. Pushed and shoved and potentially ended with offsetting personal fouls. Instead, Metcalf calmly kept his hands at his sides, let Jones be a hothead, and allow the refs to throw the flag just on him.

Check it out from CBS Sports’ new “calf cam.” Which is how I choose to watch all my NFL games.

After a long discussion, the Colts were flagged 15 yards. That took the ball from the 45 to the 30, easily putting Pittsburgh in Boswell’s range. While the drive didn’t end in a touchdown — the clock management wasn’t egregious but could’ve used a do-over — Chris Boswell calmly knocked in a 25-yard field goal to end the half, extending the Steelers’ lead to two possessions.

The penalty got Pittsburgh in range. It helped ensure Indianapolis wouldn’t get the ball back to close out the first half, doubly important knowing the Colts were getting the ball to open the second half.

But most importantly, the moment showed Pittsburgh wouldn’t repeat its mistakes. That the Steelers wouldn’t hurt themselves with selfish, dumb penalties and instead let the Colts make those critical errors. That was true of Metcalf and the rest of the team. The Steelers played a clean game, the Colts didn’t, and it’s the decisive reason why Pittsburgh won.