The Indianapolis Colts are looking to build upon last week’s win but will face a difficult matchup against the 3-0 run-heavy Steelers, who also boast one of the stingiest defenses in football through three games.
Every week there are always a number of factors that end up determining the outcome of a game. However, there are certain matchups that will carry more weight and a greater impact than others.
Here are the three key matchups to watch during Sunday’s game that will go a long way in determining the winner of the Colts versus the Steelers:
TJ Watt vs. Braden Smith
Of course, of note right now is that Braden Smith is listed as questionable for this game with a knee injury. He did not practice on Wednesday or Friday but was a full-go on Thursday. If he can’t go, then he will likely see rookie Matt Goncalves in his place, which would still be a matchup worth watching.
Steelers’ edge rusher TJ Watt spends just about all of his snaps lined up on the defensive left side of the line, which puts him on the offense’s right tackle. The reason this is a matchup to watch is likely obvious, which is that Watt can be an absolute game-wrecker if given the opportunity–making life of the opposing quarterback extremely difficult.
There is oftentimes no stopping Watt, but Smith, along with some tight end chips, and double-teams, will have to find a way to contain him. On passing downs, the Colts’ offensive line needs to give Anthony Richardson the time he needs in the pocket.
Najee Harris vs. Colts defensive tackle depth
Despite the Colts overall struggles against the run this season, Grover Stewart has continued to play well inside. However, the concern and issue has been the depth of the Colts run defense unit.
Both Taven Bryan and Adetomiwa Adebawore are undersized pass rushers, although some good news from last week is that Raekwon Davis had his best performance of the season while also seeing the most playing time that he’s had through three games.
This week, however, the Steelers rushing offense will provide a much more difficult task than what the Bears did. Although Pittsburgh is averaging just 3.6 yards per attempt, they are more than willing to commit to the run game, ranking second in attempts per game and 12th in rushing yards per game.
Success for the Colts’ defense against the run is a must, otherwise the run game will help keep the Steelers’ offense ahead of the sticks, get comfortable running their offense, and allow them to control the time of possession and likely the game.
Jonathan Taylor vs. Cam Heyward
Yes, having the lead throughout the game against the Bears helped, but there also seemed to be a more concerted effort to get Jonathan Taylor the ball as well. He finished that game with 23 carries after having a total of 28 carries the two games prior. As he often is, Taylor was very effective with the ball, and this needs to be the blueprint for the Colts moving forward.
However, having said that, the Steelers front, led by Cam Heyward, will present a major challenge. The 3.5 yards per rush that Pittsburgh is allowing is the second-fewest in football. Heyward, meanwhile, ranks second among interior defensive linemen in tackles against the run. He’s also second in run-stop rate, and first in PFF’s run defense grade.
Struggles on the ground will put the Colts offense in predictable passing situations, allowing Watt and the other members of the Steelers front to pin their ears back. These yards on the ground likely won’t come easy, but the Colts have to remain committed to running the ball.