Things looked dim for the Pittsburgh Steelers after back-to-back bad losses. Next up were the Colts, who were on paper the best team in the NFL. It looked like things were going to get worse before they got better.
Instead, the team delivered a classic Mike Tomlin game, beating someone when your backs were to the wall.
Overall, this was a very complete game on both sides of the ball. The offense maintained its steady play. Nothing flashy, but nothing damaging either.
The defense finally looked like that elite unit we were expecting against the best offense in the league. They stifled the run game for the second straight week and were also sound in coverage.
No, it wasn’t perfect, but we saw a lot of good this week to build off as this team maintains its lead in the AFC North.
Winners and losers from the Pittsburgh Steelers impressive victory over the Colts
Steelers Winner: Alex Highsmith
For anyone who needed a reminder, Alex Highsmith is a really good player. While TJ Watt is the generational player and Nick Herbig is a great pure pass rusher, Highsmith is still a great player in his own right.
He showed it this week with multiple sacks and constant pressure on Daniel Jones. This is a good problem to have, and Pittsburgh should be able to keep all three pass rushers through at least next season.
Steelers Winner: Payton Wilson
Payton Wilson was widely praised for his performance last week, and while it was a solid showing, it was nothing compared to this week's. He was all over the defense and made plays regularly. From his interception to the batted pass that turned into an interception, he looks like he has taken that next step forward.
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Steelers Loser: 4th down defense
I’m nitpicking a bit, but it would have been nice to get a stop or two on fourth down. I get it, short yardage defense is tough, but it almost felt automatic for the Colts when they went for it on fourth down. One or two stops would have made you feel even better on defense.
Steelers Winner: Run Defense
For the second straight week, the Steelers shut down an elite rushing offense. And this time, it didn’t come at the expense of the passing defense. Holding Jonathan Taylor to 45 yards rushing and no touchdowns is a feat worth celebrating.
Steelers Loser: Roman Wilson
After his career game last week against the Packers, Roman Wilson came back to earth this week. He only logged one reception for four yards. Even worse, his once reception resulted in a fumble, which put the Colts right back into the game. This could easily set him back on the depth chart.
Steelers Winner: Joey Porter Jr.
I felt like Joey Porter had a really good game overall. With Jalen Ramsey taking over the free safety job, Porter and Darius Slay were tasked with being the outside cornerbacks. Porter made multiple breakups and topped his day off with the game-sealing interception.