(Photo: Action Network)
Intriguing Game- NFL, Week 9
Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers
Colts (7-1):
They continue to stun the football world with their strong start, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed with them up to this point. This was a division that seemed gift-wrapped and placed on a silver platter for the Houston Texans, and I get it — they’ve won the AFC South the last two seasons. Okay, now let’s look at the present. The Titans are a mess and will be until they can find some consistency. The team that was favored to capture the division again (Houston) has been inconsistent, and surprisingly, the Jacksonville Jaguars have gotten off to a better start than many anticipated. Not only are the Indianapolis Colts sitting in first place in the AFC South, but they also own the best record in football as we speak — and there’s no way either of us saw this coming. If the season were to end today, the road to Santa Clara, California, would travel through Lucas Oil Stadium in the AFC. If the NFL Honors were next week, Shane Steichen would be my Coach of the Year, Daniel Jones would win Comeback Player of the Year, and right now, Jonathan Taylor is my favorite for league MVP. Where would the league’s No. 1-ranked offense be without JT? And you know my rule — you better have game if you have two first names! It’s great to see him healthy again, and a 100 percent version of him is such a treat for football fans. Nobody has meant more to their team than Jonathan Taylor, if you ask me. This Sunday, the Colts will look to keep winning with a trip to Pittsburgh.
Steelers (4-3):
I’ve seen so much of this team over the years, and based on what I’ve seen this season, I’m disappointed — but not surprised. The black and yellow I grew up with struck fear into their opponents! Those teams had an identity, and that still matters in today’s game. Now, this defense is softer than cotton candy — and it pains me to say that. You’d never see this kind of defense with Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark, or James Harrison. Offensively, this was once a team that took pride in running the football and controlling the line of scrimmage. Now, they barely bother. I’ll say this: the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense looks the same — the only difference is that Aaron Rodgers is the starting quarterback, not Russell Wilson. The crazy part is, Aaron is having a nice season. He’s thrown 16 touchdown passes and just 5 interceptions. But what frustrates me is their lack of a consistent run game, as I mentioned earlier. And outside of DK Metcalf, who else on that offense really scares a defense? I said this last week before their game against the Packers — they don’t have another legitimate threat. Here’s to hoping they make a move at the trade deadline next week. The Steelers will look to bounce back on Sunday as the red-hot Colts come to town.
Colts X-Factor: Alec Pierce
He quietly goes about his business and lets his play do the talking. I already know what Pittsburgh will try to do — focus on Jonathan Taylor and likely bring two safeties down into the box. That’s where Alec can slip behind the coverage to make a game-changing catch or help move the chains. Another reason he’s my X-factor: the Pittsburgh secondary has been getting torched all year long. The Steelers actually allow the most explosive passing plays (20+ yards) in the league.
Steelers X-Factor: Cam Heyward
He’s still productive, even as he gets older. I’ve often referred to him as the heart and soul of this Steelers team, and on Sunday, they’ll need Cam to step up and show out. He’s still as active as ever, knows his role, and leads by example. He’s a run stopper who can also collapse the pocket. His bull rush remains among the best in the league, and his leverage and technique make him tough for any blocker to handle.
Final Thoughts:
Both of these teams enter the game leading their divisions. The Colts are still trying to make believers out of people, while the Steelers are searching for consistency and hoping to end their two-game skid. The Steelers are averaging 25 points per game — but also allowing 25 per game. Meanwhile, the Colts’ offense has been dominant and efficient in all phases. Keys for the Colts: Continue feeding Jonathan Taylor early to establish the run. It’s one of their biggest strengths, and long runs will force Pittsburgh to respect it, opening up the passing game. Attack the Steelers’ secondary every chance you get. They rank near the bottom of the league in several key categories. Use pre-snap motion to create one-on-one matchups. Protect the football. Don’t give a prideful defense any momentum. Stay clean in pass protection and disciplined at all times. Keys for the Steelers: The pass rush must get home and disrupt Daniel Jones — he’s had too clean a uniform at times. The defense must put the Colts in uncomfortable situations, stop the run, and win on third down. Limit big plays, force Indy into passing situations, and win the turnover battle. There’s nothing I’ve seen from the Steelers that convinces me they can slow this Colts team down.
