The Pittsburgh Steelers usually have one of the best defenses in the NFL. They’re known for being dominant on that side of the ball. This year, it looked like that was going to continue, but that hasn’t been the case. The Steelers’ defense has been awful. While it’s shown flashes, that unit has looked overmatched too often. This week, the Steelers play the Indianapolis Colts, who have the No. 1-ranked offense in the NFL. Pete Prisco thinks that puts the Steelers in line for a long day.
“That’s one of the greatest mismatches of the week,” Prisco said recently on CBS Sports HQ. “They’ve gotta be licking their chops getting ready to play this defense. It’s amazing how well that offensive line is playing. The Steelers don’t rush the passer very well, either.
“I think [Shane] Steichen’s calling great games. Jonathan Taylor is the MVP right now. I think the Colts go in there and put a number on the Steelers’ defense. The Steelers’ defense showed me nothing the last couple weeks.”
Ahead of this season, the Colts dealt with several issues, chief among them being who would start under center. Young quarterback Anthony Richardson has struggled in the NFL, and the Colts ultimately named newly signed Daniel Jones their starter. After several rough years with the New York Giants, Jones didn’t look like a quality starting quarterback, either.
However, he’s performed way above expectations in Indianapolis. In eight games, Jones has thrown for 2,062 yards and 13 touchdowns with three interceptions. He’s helped steady the Colts’ offense, leading them to an NFL-best 7-1 record.
And Jones isn’t even the best part of the Colts’ offense. That honor belongs to running back Jonathan Taylor. While Taylor has been one of the best rushers in the NFL for years, this season, he’s taken his game to another level. As Prisco points out, he’s a leading MVP candidate. He’s run for 850 yards and 12 touchdowns, both of which lead the NFL.
Also, Taylor is generating nearly six yards per carry, and the Colts’ offensive line deserves significant credit for his success. That group has been bullying opponents all season. While the Colts have been successful in the run game, they’ve also only allowed nine sacks on the year.
Additionally, rookie tight end Tyler Warren could prove to be the biggest problem for the Steelers. Selected with the 14th overall pick in this year’s draft, Warren is a matchup nightmare. That’s especially true for the Steelers, who have struggled against tight ends this season. Tucker Kraft just had a seven-catch, 143-yard, two-touchdown day against the Steelers. Warren could present a similar problem.
While the Steelers’ defense has talent, it’s struggled to put everything together on the field. Prisco isn’t wrong about this looking like a tough week for Pittsburgh. However, it’s still the NFL. While the Steelers are underdogs, perhaps they’ll pull off an upset.
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