Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts: Keys to Victory

The Pittsburgh Steelers have their work cut out for them to try and win their first back-to-back game of the season against the Indianapolis Colts. Not only are the Colts second in the league in scoring, but they’re also third in the league in sacks, with 21 through their first seven games. So the Steelers will need big contributions from both sides of the ball if they want to come out of this game with a victory. We haven’t really seen a complete game out of both the offense and defense for a victory yet in 2014 and if the Steelers are going to advance to 5-3 today, here’s what they’ll need to accomplish that feat.

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Control time of possession

Andrew Luck has thrown for 300+ yards in all of the Colts’ five victories. If the Steelers offense can keep him on the sidelines by converting third downs and running the ball effectively, they can stand a chance at preventing a sixth 300+ passing game for Luck. Of course they’ll need to score touchdowns to go with their long drives as well. Best way to beat Luck is to keep him off of the field as best they can. The Colts are averaging about 37 minutes of time of possession. So the defense needs to do their part of getting them off of the field on third downs. But, the Steelers defense can’t afford to have the offense have too many three and outs themselves. Ben Roethlisberger has got to stay on the field for the Steelers to have a chance.

Pressure on Andrew Luck

Easier said than done and definitely more so because the Steelers haven’t been putting pressure on any quarterbacks so far this season. They’re on pace for sixteen sacks for the whole friggin year. If they can pressure Luck they conceivably stand a chance at forcing some turnovers. What a better way to celebrate getting three turnovers last week than grabbing the ball some more this week? They’re going to need a big game from Stephon Tuitt and Daniel McCullers on the defensive line. They might just even need some more puke out of Lawrence Timmons. Whatever works, right?

Win the Special Teams battle

Colts punter Pat McAfee had some fun earlier this week with Antonio Brown, requesting that he try not to kick him in the face the way he got Browns punter Spencer Lanning earlier this year but in in all reality, the Steelers need to win the battle of the special teams this Sunday in order to secure a victory. Pat McAfee is having a homecoming with his trip to Pittsburgh, a graduate of Plum high school; McAfee grew up in Pittsburgh and on top of that, has been nailing his punts inside the 20-yard-line. Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri is perfect on field goals and extra points this season as well. The Steelers are going to need Brad Wing to out-punt McAfee and it couldn’t hurt for Dri Archer to finally show that “world class speed” he was drafted in the third round for in this game in the kicking return game.