The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t played their best over the last few weeks. Their defense has looked outmatched, and their offense hasn’t been consistent enough. They’re in dire need of a bounce-back performance. However, this might not be the week for that. The Steelers play the Indianapolis Colts, the best team in the AFC, on Sunday. While most people don’t expect the Steelers to put up much of a fight against the Colts, former NFL linebacker LaVar Arrington believes in them.
“I would expect and fully anticipate the Steelers to actually raise up in this game against the Colts,” Arrington said recently on the 2 Pros and a Cup of Joe podcast. “I don’t think that this is going to be an easy game where they win by two possessions and dominate the game like they have with some of these other teams. I think they’re going to have their hands full with the Steelers.”
Not much has slowed the Colts down this season. Their offense is generating around 385 yards and 33.8 points per game. They’re 7-1, with their only loss coming in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. It’s not like they’ve just beaten bad teams either. In Week 7, they comfortably beat the Los Angeles Chargers, who have been one of the AFC’s best teams.
With how poorly the Steelers’ defense has played, this week looks like it’s going to be a disaster for Pittsburgh. However, this wouldn’t be the first time that the Steelers bounced back after a skid. Last year, they lost two straight games, only to follow with five straight wins. In 2023, they closed the season with three straight wins after three straight losses and made the playoffs.
The Colts’ offense looks like a bad matchup for the Steelers’ defense. However, their defense is ranked 24th in the league, and it’s dealing with several injuries right now. Pittsburgh’s offense has been alright this season. While it hasn’t been perfect, it’s been good enough.
Therefore, that could open a lane for the Steelers to make this a competitive battle against the Colts. However, to win the game, the Steelers’ defense is going to need to step up. Their offense isn’t built to carry them in a shootout. It’s at its best when the Steelers are running the ball well, and it’s difficult to do that in a shootout.
Take last Sunday, for example. The Steelers didn’t do much right offensively in the second half, and they only ran the ball three times. That led to the Green Bay Packers pulling away from them.
We’ll see if Arrington’s prediction comes true. Even if the Steelers make it a close game, they won’t be satisfied without a win. Going on a three-game losing streak wouldn’t be ideal.
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