When the Pittsburgh Steelers and host Indianapolis Colts clash this Sunday, expect fireworks! This matchup pits a young, dynamic offense, powered by an explosive running back, against the league’s most fearsome defense. It’s a showdown you won’t want to miss!
A critical cog in the Colts’ machine is the thrilling duo of second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor. Taylor was the hero in Indianapolis’ nail-biting 21-16 victory over the Chicago Bears last week, blazing his way to 110 yards and two spectacular touchdowns. Richardson, showing his potential, threw for 167 yards, albeit with two interceptions.
“Our offensive line sets the tone for everyone else,” said Colts coach Shane Steichen. “JT is running very well and has great vision and patience, capitalizing on the gaps.”
Remarkably, Taylor, the 2021 NFL rushing yards champion, currently ranks seventh in the league with 261 yards. Trailing him on the Colts’ rush leaderboard is Richardson, contributing 117 yards.
“We have a great challenge with Jonathan Taylor, and it gets even tougher with Richardson’s mobility,” said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. “For us, the running game is always a big emphasis.”
If there’s one team equipped to handle this dual threat, it’s the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0). With the NFL’s top defense (allowing only 229.0 yards per game), Pittsburgh is on a red-hot streak, allowing just 71.3 rushing yards per game and holding opponents to 10 points or fewer in three straight games. Even with the absence of defender Alex Highsmith, hampered by a groin injury, the Steelers haven’t missed a beat. Nick Herbig stepped up spectacularly in the 20-10 triumph over the Los Angeles Chargers last week, recording two sacks, three tackles, and a forced fumble.
Leading this relentless defense is six-time Pro Bowler TJ Watt, who commands respect with three sacks and 10 tackles.
The Colts’ defense, however, is facing some adversity. They lost two starters in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game—cornerback Kenny Moore II (hip) and defensive end Kwity Paye (quadriceps). Though they missed practice Wednesday, Steichen hasn’t ruled them out for Sunday. Additionally, cornerback Chris Lammons (knee/ankle) and offensive tackle Braden Smith (knee) also missed practice sessions, raising further concerns.
On the offensive front for Pittsburgh, quarterback Justin Fields is set to start once more, filling in for the injured Russell Wilson. Wilson’s lingering calf injury has sidelined him, and Coach Tomlin isn’t entertaining any quarterback competition until the former Super Bowl champion is fully recovered. Fields, showing flashes of brilliance, has averaged 172.7 passing yards and 30 rushing yards per game. While those numbers trail his career highs, Fields has minimized turnovers with only one interception in his recent outings.
“I admire his tough attitude,” Tomlin remarked. “I like that in a leader. He doesn’t get flustered when things go south. The team can rally behind his steadiness; he’s a fighter.”
Running back Najee Harris was given a well-deserved rest on Wednesday after sustaining an arm injury against the Chargers. Coach Tomlin is optimistic about his star player’s return, stating Harris should be available for the crucial road game against the Colts. However, running back Jaylen Warren is expected to miss Sunday’s game due to a knee injury, as he didn’t participate in Wednesday’s practice.
