Pittsburg, PA
Colts Send Message to Steelers’ T.J. Watt
The Indianapolis Colts know what they’re getting themselves into when they line up across from T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters that his team has had to prepare effusively for Watt leading up to Sunday’s contest given his game-wrecking ability and motor.
“The guy is a phenomenal football player,” Steichen said. “He is always around the ball. He has a relentless motor. He plays 100 miles an hour on every snap. So, we’ve got to have a plan for him…”
On the year, Watt has recorded three sacks and eight total pressures while being chipped at the highest rate of any pass rusher in the league by a wide margin, according to Pro Football Focus.
Indianapolis’ offensive line is among the best in the league largely in part due to their tackle duo of Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith, who have been nails so far this season.
Watt and the rest of the Steelers’ defense represent a whole different challenge, however, and Indianapolis offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter acknowledged that fact this week.
“… In this league there are these just phenomenal players on some of these defenses, and T.J. Watt is certainly one of those,” Cooter said. “We’ve got to know where he’s going to line up and how he’s likely to align within their scheme – sort of what his role is likely to be defensively each play, and how we can go best attack the defense…”
The Colts’ game plan will likely center around neutralizing Watt, and for good reason. The 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and four-time First-team All-Pro can single-handedly stop an offense in its tracks, and he’s likely to attract even more attention then he initially would have now that Alex Highsmith will be out with a groin injury for Pittsburgh.
Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson provided his own opinions on Watt’s prowess, mentioning that the team has plans in place that are aimed at keeping him out of the backfield.
“Man, I mean everybody knows he’s a potential Hall of Famer,” Richardson said. “He’s a great guy – high motor, a lot of effort. He’s pretty strong, physical. So, we definitely have a few things for him so he doesn’t get to the quarterback.”
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Colts LB Sends Warning to Steelers
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are headed to Indianapolis to take on the Colts in Week 4, but despite their struggles in recent weeks, the players in Indy are confident.
It’s almost a rule of thumb in the NFL that wherever the Steelers play, their fanbase shows up. Steelers Nation might be the best crowd in football, and the expectation in Indianapolis is no different.
But Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin is sending an early and blunt message. Speaking with the media, he made sure to let Pittsburgh know that Lucas Oil Stadium is different, and for the players, they’re entering “their home” in Week 4.
“I know the Pittsburgh fans, they are going to try and come in here,” Franklin said. “They like to travel, so I’m looking forward to us fighting back. It is always a talented and tough team when we play Pittsburgh. We know the brand of football that they like to play, but it’s our house, and we make the rules.”
The Steelers have filled their two away arenas so far this stadium, with head coach Mike Tomlin and linebacker T.J. Watt thanking fans for their impact in Atlanta and Denver. Now, they’re faced with a six hour drive to Indianapolis, which won’t seem as far as a flight across the country to Mile High.
Even with the warning, the Colts should expect black and gold to fill their stadium. It’s a rare occassion that Terrible Towels don’t fly through a venue if the Steelers are playing, and with a 3-0 football team, and Franklin really challenging their presence, it might be even stronger.
This will be the first time Pittsburgh has faced Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor at the same time. Even with Indianapolis struggling early in the season, the defense is going to need help from the crowd to raddle the Colts stars in Week 4.
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