When the Pittsburgh Steelers and host Indianapolis Colts meet Sunday, it'll be a matchup of a young offense relying on an explosive rusher against the league's top-ranked defense.
Critical to the Colts' success is the 1-2 punch of sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor. Indianapolis' 21-16 win over the Chicago Bears last week was led by Taylor, who ran for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Richardson threw for 167 yards with two interceptions.
"Our offensive line sets the tone for those guys up front," said Colts head coach Shane Steichen. "JT's running really good and he's seeing it well, he's being patient, he's hitting the holes."
The 2021 NFL rushing champion is seventh in the league this season with 261 yards. Behind him on the Colts is Richardson with 117 rushing yards.
"We've got a big challenge in Jonathan Taylor, and I think that challenge is intensified because of Richardson's mobility and their willingness to use schematics regarding Richardson's mobility," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "It is a big run game emphasis for us."
If any team is up for the challenge of the Taylor and Richardson duo, it's Pittsburgh (3-0), which is off to its best start since 2020 and rated the No. 1 defensive team in the NFL (229.0 yards per game).
The Steelers allow 71.3 rushing yards per game and travel to Indianapolis with three straight games holding opponents to 10 points or less. That's without edge rusher Alex Highsmith, who has been limited by a groin injury. In his absence, Nick Herbig had a career day in the 20-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers last week with two sacks, three tackles and a forced fumble.
Spearheading the defense is six-time Pro Bowler T.J. Watt, leading the Steelers with three sacks plus 10 tackles.
"We got to know where he's going to line up and how he's likely to align within their scheme, what his role is likely to be defensively each play and how we can go best attack the defense," said Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. "How can we best attack the defense while also having an awareness to this great player out there and trying to limit his impact."
Indianapolis' defense was dealt a blow Sunday, losing two starters in the fourth quarter. Both cornerback Kenny Moore II (hip) and defensive end Kwity Paye (quadriceps) didn't practice Wednesday, but Steichen hasn't ruled them out for Sunday. Cornerback Chris Lammons (knee/ankle) and offensive tackle Braden Smith (knee) also missed practice.
Offensively for Pittsburgh, quarterback Justin Fields will start again in place of Russell Wilson. A calf injury continues to plague the former Super Bowl champion, leaving Tomlin uninterested in talking about any kind of quarterback competition until Wilson is able to return. He was limited in practice Wednesday.
Tomlin has had Fields under center for every game, with the former Chicago Bears quarterback averaging 172.7 passing yards and 30 rushing yards per game. Each is below career highs after three years in Chicago, but what isn't hampering Fields in Pittsburgh are turnovers. Fields has only one interception, but none in the past two victories.
"I like his steady demeanor," said Tomlin. "I like that in a leader. He doesn't ride the emotional roller coaster when things are going bad. Guys can rally around that, he's steady, he's a competitor."
Najee Harris received rest on Wednesday due to an arm injury sustained against the Chargers, but Tomlin isn't concerned about his return, adding he's expected to be available for Sunday's trip to the Colts. Running back Jaylen Warren is expected to miss the game with a knee injury. He did not practice Wednesday.
