James Harrison Calls Out NFL Refs After Justin Fields, Steelers Lose to Flacco, Colts

Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison was critical of the officiating following the team's 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

After trailing 17-0 near the start of the second quarter, Pittsburgh cut the deficit to three near the end of the fourth quarter. A potential game-tying drive with just over two minutes remaining in the contest fell short, though.

The Steelers committed six penalties for 53 yards while the Colts were flagged four times for 38 yards.

Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was called for an unnecessary roughness penalty late in the third quarter, giving the Colts an additional 15 yards. Indianapolis capitalized on the drive, scoring a touchdown to push its lead to 24-10.

Fitzpatrick gave his thoughts on the call to reporters after the game.

"I thought we were playing football," he said, via Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "I don't know what we're playing at this point. Very different game than what I grew up playing and what I grew up loving. Can't hit nobody hard, can't be violent, so I don't know what to say anymore."

Despite the loss, Steelers quarterback Justin Fields continued to make a strong case for himself as Pittsburgh's starting signal-caller for the remainder of the season. Fields finished 22-of-34 for 312 yards and a touchdown. He also added 55 yards and two more scores on the ground.

Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson left the game in the first quarter due to a hip injury, with veteran Joe Flacco stepping in as his replacement. Flacco looked comfortable against Pittsburgh's defense, completing 61.5 percent of his throws for 168 yards and two touchdowns.

Harrison spent the majority of his 15-year NFL career as a member of the Steelers, appearing in 177 of his 193 career games with Pittsburgh. He made all five of his Pro Bowl appearances when he was on the team from 2007 through 2011.

Even with the defeat, Steelers still own the top spot in the AFC North with a 3-1 record. They'll look to get back on track in their next game, a Week 5 clash with the Dallas Cowboys.