Steelers vs. Colts: Preview, score prediction for Week 10

Steel Curtain Beginning to Open

It’s 2017, and the Steelers have one of the best pass defenses in the NFL (No. 2 to be exact). With young talent such as Artie Burns, Sean Davis and Mike Hilton starting to sharpen their skills in the backfield, the youth movement of this defense has brought the Steelers back to a physical brand of football. Yet the addition of free agent cornerback Joe Haden has perhaps made the most difference, as the former Cleveland Brown has yet to give up a contested catch this season.

Giving up a just a shade over 16 points per game, the pride and heart of this team rests within the front seven. The struggles in the rush defense earlier in the year still somewhat exist, as Pittsburgh continues to give up 4.5 yards per carry. Whether it’s a result of over-pursuing the ball-carrier or lack of push up front, Pittsburgh remains a team that isn’t completely reliable when it comes to stopping the run, although four goal-line stands in Detroit might have turned the corner for this front seven.

Offensively, it appears the Steelers are finally figuring things out and putting the pieces together. Ben Roethlisberger has been pedestrian at best in his performances, yet with the talent of Antonio Brown around him, pedestrian is nearly good enough to put points up. Brown continues to make his case for the title of best wide receiver in the game, leading the league in receptions (57) and yards (835). Despite the absence of Martavis Bryant both physically and mentally, rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster has exploded on the scene and has impressed enough to earn a significant role in the offense moving forward.

As great as the Steelers aerial threat could potentially become, the true success of Pittsburgh originates from the churning legs of Le’Veon Bell. Bell, who started his 2017 season in tortoise like fashion, has finally found himself in rhythm with the ball in his hands. How heavily do the Steelers rely on Bell? He’s on pace to finish with 388 carries. It’s also important to note Pittsburgh has never lost a game when Bell rushes the ball more than 25 times.

Steelers Keys to the Game

• Stick to the basics. There’s nothing like moving the ball down the field and having to settle for a field goal thanks to “cute” playcalling. 30-yard throws on third-and-2? Halfback draws on second-and-25? Offensive coordinator Todd Haley loves to keep defenses guessing, yet that’s not exactly a good thing. It’s not a secret the Steelers are the more talented team. Simply put your play-makers in a position to win, and the rest will follow.
• Play disciplined. One of the most often mistakes made by the better football team is letting the opponent hang around due to sloppy play, penalties, etc. With the Steelers performing at average levels against the run with big tackling problems, it’s vital Pittsburgh plays true to their defensive gaps and forces Indianapolis to become a one-dimensional passing team.

X Factor: Ryan Shazier

When at his peak performance, Ryan Shazier is one of the best middle linebackers in the league. Shazier’s combination of power and speed build him as a perfect fit in Pittsburgh’s scheme. Shazier is the engine that makes the front seven go, and if he is able to crash running lanes and cover his assignment out of the backfield, the Steelers will be able to walk out of Lucas Oil Stadium with a win.