On alumni weekend, The Pittsburgh Steelers finally tuned out the noise and dialed the calendar back to their defensive identity. On Sunday, they harassed Daniel Jones and the AFC-leading Colts into a staggering six turnovers, securing a gritty 27-20 victory.
After a week of being absolutely torched by the press and the fans, the Steelers coaches made the adjustments needed. Perhaps the injuries in the secondary forced their hand, but the simplified game plan was executed to perfection against the NFL’s No. 1 scoring unit.
Maybe it was the inspiration of seeing the 20th anniversary of the Super Bowl XL team, because it was a return to the familiar, mistake free offense and crushing defense of years past. The Steelers’ victory was fueled by the relentless, suffocating pressure applied by the defense. It was a masterclass in disruption, starting up front and extending all the way to the secondary.
The defense completely neutralized Jonathan Taylor, the league’s leading rusher, holding him to a season-low 45 yards on 14 carries. They forced the Colts into a one-dimensional attack, and Daniel Jones wilted under the heavy pressure, looking more like the quarterback who was run out of New York than the one reinvented in Indianapolis. He dropped back 55 times, throwing three interceptions after being under duress constantly.
The interior presence was anchored by Keeanu Benton, who was consistently in the backfield, racking up five tackles and logging a crucial sack. Right beside him, the veteran Cam Heyward didn’t just tackle (four stops), he actively altered passing lanes, batting down two passes at the line of scrimmage and recovering a pivotal fumble to further fuel the turnover machine.
But the real havoc erupted from the second level and the edge. Payton Wilson played his best as a Steeler. He was leading the charge with a game-high 13 tackles, picking off a pass, and forcing another incompletion with a crucial pass breakup that resulted in a turnover.
Meanwhile, the edge rushers finally reappeared. Alex Highsmith was relentless, finishing with two sacks, one of which was a momentum-shifting strip-sack in the fourth quarter. After the Colts drove down the field on the first drive, they were again on the move. T.J. Watt had the biggest play of the day, causing the first turnover of the game, it was timely, and the team needed it, he recovered his forced fumble.
Even with the veteran safeties out, the cornerbacks stepped up. With his father being celebrated earlier in the day, Joey Porter Jr. delivered a defining performance: he notched a sack and snagged an interception, finishing with four passes defended overall while adding seven tackles.
What can you say about Jalen Ramsey who played free safety for the entire game and had four tackles, and Kyle Dugger, acquired in a trade on Tuesday, started at strong safety and had four tackles. Both played very well. Give Dugger credit, he “jumped on a moving train” as Mike Tomlin put it and he delivered. Every unit contributed to the turnover count that ultimately decided the game.
The offense was opportunistic—scoring 24 points off six turnovers. With six turnovers, the Steelers should have blown the Colt’s out. The Colts battled, scoring ten points in the fourth quarter but the game was pretty much in hand at that point.
The play calling was just off all day and left the Steelers more vulnerable than they needed to be.
The only good news from the last two weeks seemed to fade away. The recent improvement in the running game stalled abruptly. The Colts controlled the line, holding Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell to a combined 1.7 yards per carry. Warren managed two short touchdowns, but that was the extent of the ground highlights. The tight ends had a great day in the passing game. Washington, Freiermuth, and Smith accounted for 95 of the team’s 203 receiving yards. Give credit to Connor Heyward who ran the “tush push” effectively. Calvin Austin III had a solid game, leading the team in receiving yards with 56.
Aaron Rodgers, while not sharp, played another mistake-free game, demonstrating his elite ball security (now 16 TDs to just 5 INTs). However, his frustration with the offense was palpable. He finished with 203 yards and a touchdown pass.
The offensive line must be significantly better against the Chargers next week if this team has any real aspirations on the road. They had a tough day giving up three sacks and never opened the holes needed to get the running game going.
Special teams had a good week after what looked to be a disastrous fake punt that helped the Colt’s keep their drive alive. Corliss Waitman averaged over 50 yards per punt, including a 67-yarder and a crucial 56-yarder that was muffed for the first turnover. Soon as the Steelers hit the middle of the field logo, you start to think they are in Chris Boswell’s range. He blasted both of his two attempts with the longest being 46 yards, moving to 16 for 18 this season. Ke’Shawn Williams continues to be solid as the return man he averaged 11 yards per return. Danny Smith has become a television folk hero; engineering a penalty that buried the Colt’s deep in their territory. They also scored a turnover on a muffed punt.
In the end the Steelers hopefully have begun to rewrite the script for the 2025 season.
Beer We Go Steelers, Beer We Go
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Payton Wilson for his outstanding day, the defense needed a playmaker, and he delivered. He finished with 14 tackles and had an interception he also helped caused an interception. Also Considered: T.J. Watt whose strip sack changed the entire momentum of the game. Shout out to Jack Sawyer on his first career interception.
Beer of the Game: Long Ireland Brewing Company; Winter Ale. It is a very hardy ale and perfect for yesterday’s game. Bonus points because they were pounders. KGB went with Harp.
“Steel the Snacks”: KGB was back and once again the snacks provided a boost, it is our version of Renegade! KGB made the Hoosier Pork Tenderloin sandwich on fresh rolls. It was outstanding and cooked perfectly, we had Pierogies a Pittsburgh staple as the side dish.
My stat of the week: This is a good one, SIX Turnovers but I think what needs to be focused on is 19 carries for 55 yards. The Steelers dominated the Colts running game and put Daniel Jones in the crosshairs.
My thoughts on next week: The Steelers return to Sunday Night Football after the disastrous Packers game, they will battle a tough Chargers team.
Jersey of the Week: In honor of Alumni Weekend and the 20th anniversary of the Super Bowl XL team, Joey Porter #55 away white. This is not a throwback jersey; this was one of the first Steelers jersey’s I have ever purchased and still have. I also busted out the sideline hat from that season as well.