Colts’ Kicker Spencer Shrader Shines Even as Rain and Wind Pounded Acrisure Stadium

When the remnants of Hurricane Isaias rolled over Pittsburgh on Sunday, the scene at Acrisure Stadium was more mud than meadow. The tarp lingered on the turf through pre‑game warm‑ups, and a thin drizzle kept the grass slick as a skating rink. Not exactly the sort of runway a kicker hopes for.

Still, Spencer Shrider, the Indianapolis Colts’ 23‑year‑old rookie, seemed unfazed. He trotted through his usual routine, glanced at the sky, and let his foot do the talking. Five field‑goal attempts later – two of them from 57 and 56 yards – the ball was humming through the uprights, despite the wet, windy chaos.

“It was wet and a little bit of wind,” Shrider said in the post‑game interview, chuckling. “A lot of kicking is about adjusting to conditions, but you can’t let them get in your head. If you stick to your routine, the ball finds its way.”

Those long kicks were more than just flash; they accounted for 15 of the Colts’ 22 points. The remaining two points came from a short‑range effort, rounding out a solid personal performance. Unfortunately, Indianapolis still fell 34‑22, as Pittsburgh’s offense, led by Aaron Rodgers and a day‑long rush from Jaylen Warren, capitalized on red‑zone chances the Colts could not convert.

Coach Shane Steichen praised Shrider’s poise. “Spencer handled a tough environment the way you’d want a veteran to,” he said. “He gave us points when we needed them, and that’s a huge confidence boost for a rookie.”

The game also highlighted Indianapolis’ broader struggles – missed opportunities inside the 20‑yard line, a defense that couldn’t contain the Steelers’ balanced attack, and a running game that sputtered. Yet, for Shrider, the slippery field turned into a proving ground, and he walked away with a personal “best‑ever” day.

Looking ahead, the Colts face Tennessee next, a matchup that could finally give their offense a chance to get on the scoreboard while Shrider hopes to keep adding those long, rain‑tested kicks to his résumé.