Underwhelming offensive weapon is the key to a Steelers win in Week 4

The Steelers are set to face off against the Colts, and the hope is that Pittsburgh can improve to 4-0 on the season. It hasn’t always been pretty, but this team has been consistent. A stout defense limits offense and a grueling offense plays clock management and scores enough to win.

They face their offensive opposites in the Colts. Indianapolis has been one of the streakiest teams in the league so far. For every big play their offense makes, there is usually a head-scratching call shortly after. On paper, this plays into the Steelers hands and gives them the early edge.

That said, on paper, this matchup looks a lot harder. The Colts offensive and defensive lines are talented and deep and should hold their own against Pittsburgh. The running game, headlined by both Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor, is potent and there are some big-play receivers to throw to. Despite a stout defensive line, the unit as a whole has been bad though. For a timid Pittsburgh offense though that isn’t the end of the world.

My initial thought for the key player this week was Keeanu Benton. We need a big day from the interior to limit the run. That said, he faces a stiff offensive line. He should have his usual quietly good game, but I don’t think he will be a huge impact player. A secondary member could make Richardson pay with an untimely pick or two, but that is hard to project.

Instead, I’m heading to the offense for my key player. The running back room is banged up, and even if Najee Harris plays, he may be limited despite a great matchup. The passing game still won’t be the key for this team, but it may take on a larger role this week. Justin Fields will need a safety valve, and he should have one in Pat Freiermuth.

Steelers need a big game out of Pat Freiermuth

It has been a quiet start to the season for the newly extended Freiermuth. Through three weeks, he has netted 12 receptions but has only managed a paltry 99 yards. What is impressive is that over half of those yards (53) have come as YAC, or yards after the catch. Pittsburgh’s plan is simple: hit Freiermuth short and expect him to do some damage after the catch.

He is good at that, but he can also be used over the middle of the field. This is something that has been missing from the Steelers offense for a few years, but Fields has proven to be comfortable there. It is time to get their physical threat involved there.

He has a good matchup this week as well. The Colts lack a great coverage option in the linebacker room. Their safeties are fine but also don’t impose themselves all of the time. It is a winnable matchup, to say the least, and one that the team needs to capitalize on.

We just saw Cole Kmet eat for the Bears against the Colts with almost 100 receiving yards and 10 receptions. Freiermuth doesn’t need to hit those numbers, but a few more deeper targets for him would be welcome. While not a necessity, it would be nice for him to find the end zone as well.

There are a lot of matchups that I am interested in this week, but ultimately Freiermuth seems like the core player I have circled. With the passing game potentially being a bigger element this week, having him used more over the middle and deep could lead to a big output. He needs to step up this week and make some big plays if the Steelers offense wants to keep on winning the time of possession battle.