Colts Cruise Past Titans Again but Face a Bigger Test in Pittsburgh
Did anyone else get Deja Vu watching the Indianapolis Colts win against the Tennessee Titans again? It was like I was watching a rerun of my favorite show. A Colts win never gets old.
Over the weekend, the Colts showed people again why they are the best in the league right now. Even though they were going up against a 1-6 team, that did not mean they played any weaker.
Offensively, they accomplished over 420 total yards and scored at least 30 points for the sixth time this season. Running back Jonathan Taylor was unstoppable, per usual, rushing for three touchdowns, including an 18-yard score that capped off a 73-yard drive. Quarterback Daniel Jones also had a good game, completing 21 of 29 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns.
On defense, the Colts took advantage of the Titans' missing several of their strongest players. The Colts stayed in control by forcing them into passing downs and turnovers. While there are still areas for improvement, the defense seems to be getting stronger with each game. And even with an incredible offense, consistency is the main priority.
After this game, the Colts still stand strong in their #1 spot that they have held for weeks now. They enter week 8 with a 7-1 record, hitting the road to go against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. So far, the Steelers are 4-3, so it should be a bit closer than last week.
The Steelers in past years had made a name for themselves with their defense, but recently, we have not been seeing that put into action. In Week 8, they played poorly and lacked team speed. Surely, this will be no threat to the Colts' offense.
On the offensive side, the Steelers struggle to find their rhythm and rank 25th in the league, despite supposedly being the stronger half of the team. While the Colts' defense is nowhere near the best, statistically, the Colts should manage just fine against the Steelers.
Keys to the Game:
Establish the run
Jonathan Taylor continues to dominate week after week. If the Colts can run effectively like they have been, the Steelers will be forced into playing honest defense. The Colts need to focus on controlling the line of scrimmage and keeping the chains moving.
Disrupt Pittsburgh Early
The Colts' defense needs to apply consistent pressure, stop the run, and prevent the Steelers from gaining any momentum. Forcing the Steelers into predictable downs gives the Colts more room to capitalize. Containing Aaron Rodgers will be the main focus.
Protect Daniel Jones
The Colts must give quarterback Daniel Jones time to operate, avoid early turnovers, and continue their efficient execution in the passing game.
If the Colts establish the run, convert early third downs, and protect the football, they stand a pretty good chance against the Steelers. Given this season's statistics, the Colts seem to have an advantage over the Steelers, with a more potent offense, consistent production, and momentum that never dies. While nothing in the NFL is guaranteed, expect the Colts' record to advance to 8-1 after this week.
This game should be closer than the recent blowouts we saw in prior weeks. The Colts are listed as 3-point favorites to win, and if the Colts' offense can take down the Steelers' defense, we will see that win happen.
I predict that the Colts will leave Pittsburgh with a hard-earned win.
Final prediction:
Colts 30, Steelers 23