The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for the 2024 regular season, and with it being the team’s fourth game fans’ hopes remain high heading into the second quarter of the season. The hope is there is a winning performance on the horizon on Sunday in Week 4 when the team travels to play the Colts in Indianapolis.

What exactly do the Steelers need to do to on defense to claim their fourth victory of 2024? Let’s break it down…

Defense

Stop All Ground Game

The Steelers are one of the best run defenses in the league, averaging 71.3 yards per game. This number ranks them 2nd in the league, but the Colts offense delivers a unique challenge with how they attack defenses. To date, the Colts rank 11th in the league running the ball averaging 131.3 yards per game, and the Steelers defense will have to slow down both Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson if they want to win on the road again.

Seems simple, but the execution will have to be on point.

Take It Away

Last week the Steelers failed to create a turnover for the first time this season. If there was ever a week to get right in the interception category it would be in Week 4. Richardson has thrown six interceptions in three games, which is tied for 2nd in the league in terms of team turnovers.

If the Steelers can force the ball into Richardson’s hands, more on that below, they should have more than enough opportunity to not just get back into the takeaway category, but set up the offense for success.

Force Game Into A.R.’s Hands / 3rd Downs

As stated above, Richardson has a huge arm and has been successful driving the ball down the field, but he struggles with those short/intermediate throws. If the Colts are able to run the ball and stay in manageable down and distances, it will make life easy for Richardson and the Colts offense. But, like last week, the Steelers can force 3rd and long situations, they will be able to pin their ears back and get after Richardson.

The Colts offense is converting on 3rd downs at just 32.3%, while the Steelers defense is allowing 3rd down conversions just 21.9%, which is first in the league. The Colts are averaging 184.3 yards per game through the air, but have only surrendered 4 sacks so far this season.

If the Steelers can force the game into Richardson’s hands in 3rd and long situations, it should play right into the Steelers’ defensive wheelhouse.

I talk about this, and MUCH more on the “Let’s Ride”, and you can hear that podcast in the player below this article. In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the team as they gear up for game time!