The Indianapolis Colts (5-2) will be taking their winning streak on the road as they travel to Heinz Field for a Week 9 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-4).
While on paper the Colts have a better record, they aren’t taking this matchup lightly. Offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni believes the Steelers have a well-rounded defense featuring playmakers at all three levels.
“Yeah, they are good up front and the defensive line, good young linebackers. The secondary has got good proven players,” Sirianni told the media Tuesday. “So yeah, it’s an all-around good defense.”
Despite the offense having to deal with a revolving door of injured quarterbacks this season, the defense for the Steelers has held its own through seven games.
Here’s where they rank in several areas in comparison to the rest of the league:
- 333.6 total yards per game (10th)
- 5.1 yards per play (7th)
- 20.7 points per game (13th)
- 24.0 sacks (T-6th)
- 10 interceptions (T-2nd)
The Steelers are also allowing just 3.7 yards per carry to opposing offenses, which means the Colts will have a tough challenge in what is considered their best asset on offense.
From pass rusher T.J. Watt getting after the quarterback to newly-acquired safety Minkah Fitzpatrick grabbing interceptions, the Colts view this as a talented unit.
“Yeah, this is a talented group, a very talented group. They have good players, good coaches (and) a good scheme,” Sirianni said. “You think of good defenses (and) you think of Pittsburgh Steelers. That’s no exception to this year’s team.”
The Colts got their first taste of a top defensive matchup in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos. Before that, none of the defenses they faced were truly formidable.
Though they were able to squeak out a win against the Broncos tough defense, the offense struggled for the majority of the game.
Regardless, Frank Reich and the Colts offense can’t take the Steelers lightly if they want to continue improving their winning streak and current standing in the AFC playoff picture.
