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The Indianapolis Colts handed the Pittsburgh Steelers their first loss of the season on Sunday. After the fact, Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin threw shade at Steelers running back Najee Harris.
Franklin called the ball carrier “soft” while questioning his effort. He said that other Pittsburgh tailbacks were running the ball harder!
Harris totaled just 19 yards on 13 carries in the 27-24 loss, averaging a meager 1.5 yards per attempt. He did, however, have a major impact in the passing game with 54 receiving yards.
Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be enough as the Steelers fell just shy of a 4-0 start. Some blamed officiating. Others noted the early 17-0 deficit that forced Pittsburgh to play from behind.
Zaire Franklin called out Harris, specifically.
“Kid is soft,” the linebacker replied on X to a post referencing Harris. “84 run harder.”
That “84” is Cordarelle Patterson, who carried the ball six times for 43 yards. Patterson presented the tougher challenge according to Franklin!
It wasn’t the only talking heard from the defender. Before the game, he had a message to Steelers fans.
Zaire Franklin challenged Colts fans to show up and prevent Pittsburgh from taking over Lucas Oil Stadium.
“I know the Pittsburgh fans, they are going to try and come in here,” he said earlier in the week. “They like to travel, so I’m looking forward to us fighting back… It’s our house, and we make the rules.”
The Steelers often take over opposing stadiums given their national brand and incredible fanbase. Franklin didn’t want to see any black and yellow in Indy.
Instead, he wanted Lucas Oil Stadium to feel like a home atmosphere.
For those who were in attendance to support the home team, they were in for a treat as the Colts played one of their more complete games of the season.
With the victory, Indianapolis moved to 2-2, and it now finds itself on a two-game winning streak. They’ll look to keep the train rolling in Week 5 against the division rival Jaguars.