**Keeping it simple worked:** Last Friday when linebacker T.J. Watt was doing his normal media scrum, he said something that wasn't widely picked up on, although featured on [steelers.com](https://www.steelers.com/news/week-9-blog-a-new-role-for-wilson$dfc194fc-1d80-43f6-a10c-479746f33b37?_debug=y&token=db8dfc40aee8c7e146c0c9b6aa4fbb5a69e10afc8392ab8dcf6d8c02e2434df1&_version=Live), until he spoke about it again after the win over the Colts on Sunday.
It was something that spoke volumes.
Watt said during practice last week the team simplified things on the defensive side of the ball.
"I think there's a way of simplifying things so we can play fast, as fast as possible and I think we've had a good week of that," said Watt on Oct. 31. "We're trying to fix what we have wrong. We have a lot of things that need to be fixed, and we're just trying to chip away at it.
"I feel we had a really good week of practice. Simplifying some things in some areas and allowing us to play fast and physical football. Trusting in each other, trusting in the plan.
"But it's all lip service if we don't go out on Sunday and perform."
It worked, and it was much more than lip service.
The defense stepped to the plate, forcing five turnovers, while special teams had one as well, and six sacks, while holding the NFL's leading rushing, Jonathan Taylor, to just 45 yards.
"I feel like we came out on a mission as a defense, and we stood on business," said rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon. "We've just got to capitalize on this week.
"Play call was a lot simpler, and guys just playing freely. Trusting the guy next to them to make a play. Once a guy makes a play, the hype, having an energy out there as a defense.
"I feel we just came out with a lot more energy the past week."
Harmon said it's possible to simplify it every week and there is a definite advantage.
"It takes the thinking out of the game," said Harmon. "You can just play ball. You can play freely and attack.
"It's fun. You're just out there playing to the wall. I feel like turnovers come in bunches, and that's what we showed last week."
Harmon continues to grow each week in the defense, quickly proving why the team selected him with their No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
He wants that growth to continue.
"It's just getting better every week," said Harmon. "I feel like I'm getting better every week, week in and week out. Still got to get better on the little things.
"Just playing with little key technique things, hands, getting off blocks easier, things like that."
He will need all those techniques and then some going against a Chargers team that comes in a with solid offense led by quarterback Justin Herbert.
Herbert has completed 220 passes for 2,390 yards and 18 touchdowns through nine games, but he can also kill a defense with his running ability. He has 46 rushes for 305 yards and a touchdown.
"They've got a great quarterback back there running the offense," said Harmon. "They like to run the ball. We've got to stop the run. And then they're going to get into their passing game, and we've got to stop that also.
"(Herbert) can keep that ball and hit you for 30 yards, 50 yards, whatever, and he can throw it that far too.
"I feel like this is a big week to show that wasn't just a fluke (last week). It was real."