As we’ve executed up to now, beneath are the keys and my prediction of the Pittsburgh Steelers profitable (or shedding) at the moment’s recreation. Three issues that must occur for them to finish up on the best facet of the rating and vice versa of their Week 4 contest towards the Indianapolis Colts.
My Steelers’ prediction is on the backside.
The Steelers Will Win If…
1. Minkah Fitzpatrick Performs Minkah-Ball
Our X-Issue for this recreation, Fitzpatrick has had a positive season and quarterbacks have been sensible sufficient to keep away from testing him. However Colts’ QB Anthony Richardson is extra risk-adverse, as up-down as any quarterback in soccer. He trusts his arm to make throws from and to any space of the sector. However that confidence has bled into conceitedness and led to a league-leading six interceptions, together with a number of overthrows or simply horrible choices. It’s as much as Fitzpatrick to make him pay. Who wins right here, Richardson’s arm expertise or Fitzpatrick’s soccer IQ, might decide this one.
2. George Pickens Wins Vertically
Below DC Gus Bradley, the Colts are a zone-heavy, single-high sort of protection, particularly one early downs. They prefer to roll the sturdy security into the field and stuff the run. That creates 1-on-1 alternatives on the surface. With Indy’s secondary hurting, Pickens ought to have possibilities downfield. And I’d count on the Steelers to check it all through the sport in a recreation plan that may really feel just like the Broncos’ recreation.
3. Secondary Swarms, Tackles Jonathan Taylor
Whereas Pittsburgh’s run protection has been glorious three video games in, Indianapolis can be a troublesome activity. The Colts’ line is constructed to run block and Taylor is a supremely gifted runner with each trait you search for. Dimension, energy, burst, imaginative and prescient. That makes it an 11-man job to gradual him down. The Steelers’ secondary has tackled rather well however there’s no assure that carries over. They need to maintain displaying the best approach and want-to.
The Steelers Will Lose If…
1. Colts Hit Sufficient Chunk Performs
In some respects, the Colts match up nicely towards the Steelers. With their big-play potential, they don’t want to make use of methodical 10-play drives towards Pittsburgh’s stout protection. They will get all of it in a play. If Richardson can hit the lengthy ball, the Colts can rating right away, one thing no opposing group has executed towards Pittsburgh but. That would make the Steelers uncomfortable and taking part in from behind greater than they’ve.
2. Indy’s Receivers Overwhelm Steelers Secondary
Much like the primary level, that is one of the best and deepest group of extensive receivers the Steelers have confronted. The Colts function a high 4 of Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, A.D. Mitchell, and Josh Downs. CB Donte Jackson should maintain taking part in nicely whereas NCB Beanie Bishop Jr. might see a ton of targets on this one, particularly versus Downs and Pittman within the slot.
3. Pittsburgh Runs Into A Wall
No query Pittsburgh needs to maintain operating the ball at will however the Colts, even with out DT DeForest Buckner, are a problem up the intestine. NT Grover Stewart is an underrated run stuffer. The Steelers can discover extra success on hole schemes and perimeter runs, I’d even get the receiver run recreation going a bit on this one, but when Pittsburgh depends an excessive amount of on inside zone and duo, they might have an inefficient day.
Prediction
Steelers: 23
Colts: 17
Steelers Season Prediction File
2-1
