Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — The Indianapolis Colts (2-2) travel to play the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) this Sunday afternoon.
The Colts will look to secure their third straight win, with rainy conditions likely to play a major role. Forecasts call for an 85 percent chance of heavy afternoon rain, but veterans Jonathan Taylor and DeForest Buckner say the team is ready for the challenge.
“Usually, with the nasty weather games, rainy games, it’s going to be a lot of running the football,” Buckner said. “We need to do a really great job on first and second down of stopping the run and trying to force them into passing situations.”
Buckner was key to the Colts’ 30-13 win over the Commanders in London last week. Buckner totaled four tackles, one of which for a loss and helped the Colts defense allow the fewest points in a game all season. As Buckner looks ahead to face a future Hall of Fame quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, he was asked if the defense has taken a step forward entering Week 5.
“I think it was a step forward, especially on first and second down,” Buckner said. “Obviously, third down, I think they were 2-of-15, 3-of-15, or something like that on third down? Getting off the field when we need to, coming up with big stops and holding them to field goals when we needed to. So yeah, it was definitely a step forward.”
Offensively, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is looking to make his mark against an intense Pittsburgh defensive line, especially if the rainy weather forecast holds true.
“We know what they bring,” Taylor said. “We know how they have an active motor. It’s really going to be about effort as well. It’s going to be about straining until the last seconds of the whistle, until the play is finally over. It’s going to be an intense matchup. It always is. You know what you’re getting into when you’re playing against Pittsburgh.”
“You always have to just take into consideration field conditions,” Taylor said. “Ball security is always at a premium no matter what the weather is. So obviously, heightened sense of security, but regardless, that has to be your No. 1 priority, rain, sleet or snow.”
Taylor has rushed for 353 yards and six touchdowns through four games this season.
The Colts take on the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium this Sunday, October 11, at 1 p.m.