Once again, the Indianapolis Colts are off to a slow start to the season, sitting at 1-2 going into Week 4. However, they could easily get back on track and even find themselves tied for the division with a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh is currently led by former Chicago Bears first-round pick Justin Fields. With their surprising 3-0 start, the Steelers are not going to be an easy contest but there are two keys for the Colts to get the victory.
The Steelers are first in their division, leading the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals. Their defense has been the key to their success so far this season. They are currently first in points allowed per game with 8.7. They are also first in yards per game, touchdowns per game, and stopping third-down conversions. This game against the Steelers will be an absolute miss match for the Colts so they must hone in these keys to victory.
Three Keys for the Colts In Their Week 4 Matchup Against the Steelers
Win the Turnover Battle
One of several areas where the Colts have struggled has been turnovers. Through three weeks, they rank 28th in giveaways per game with two. They also rank last in terms of interception percentage rate, which is at 8%. The Colts have six total turnovers this season, all coming from interceptions thrown by Anthony Richardson, who leads the league.
In their two losses this season, Indy has lost the turnover battle. In Week 1 against the Houston Texans, the Colts lost the turnover battle by one. They committed a crucial turnover towards the red zone, which, in turn, took points off the board. In Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers, the Colts lost the turnover battle by two and had two key turnovers in the opponents territory.
With how inexperienced Anthony Richardson is, turnovers will happen. However, if the Colts can get turnovers on defense and compensate for turnovers on offense, it will give their football team a chance. In their Week 3 win against the Chicago Bears, they did just that. Richardson has two bad interceptions, with one on the goal line, but the defense forced three turnovers of their own. This would end up being the deciding factor and the key to the Colts first victory of the season. Against the Steelers, they must do the same.
Run the Football
The Colts offense has been a struggle through the first three weeks. However, its one bright spot has been in the run game with Jonathan Taylor. Through three weeks, Taylor has rushed for 261 yards, three touchdowns, and a 5.1 rushing average. In the last two games, he has rushed for 213 yards and does not seem to be slowing down any time soon. There were questions about whether the all-pro back would ever get back to the 1800-yard season he had in 2021. In order for that to happen, Indy must give him more touches.
In Week 3, Taylor has 23 carries and for the Colts to get the victory against the Steelers, they will need Taylor to have 20 or more carries again. By giving him the ball more, it will take pressure off of Anthony Richardson and simplify the offense. This will also help with time of possession. Through three weeks, the Colts are last in the league, with only having the ball 36% of the time. It doesn’t help that Richardson’s completion percentage is worst in the league, but if they run the football, not only will it help with time-of-possession, but it will also allow the defense to get more rest.
The Colts will have their work cut out for them against the Steelers. However, if they can minimize the turnovers and win the turnover battle while also sustaining long drives and relying on the run, they will have a good shot at getting the win.
Main Image: Grace Hollars – USA Today Sports
