The Indianapolis Colts recognized their challenge for this week well before reviewing any game footage. Like any team facing the Pittsburgh Steelers, they need to find a way to stop linebacker T.J. Watt from dominating the game on Sunday.
This task won’t be simple.
“You’ve got to have a plan. You’ve got to have a plan for him, for sure,” coach Shane Steichen said when asked if he had one.
“I hope so,” he added, drawing some laughter. However, the Colts (1-2) are serious about figuring out how to handle one of the best defensive players in the NFL.
In five games against the Colts, Watt has tallied 15 tackles, 5 1/2 sacks, forced two fumbles, and won four times. His only loss to them was last December, during which he had three tackles and two sacks.
The Steelers (3-0) have won all six of their regular-season games since then, with Watt recording 23 tackles and five sacks. His impact is clear, whether seen on film or in person.
“Everybody knows he’s a potential Hall of Famer,” Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson said. “He’s a great guy – high motor, a lot of effort. He’s pretty strong and physical. So, we definitely have a few strategies to keep him from getting to the quarterback.”
Indy’s best approach seems to be focusing on their running game with Richardson and Jonathan Taylor, trying to keep the Steelers’ second-ranked run defense guessing.
Taylor has rushed for over 100 yards in both of the last two weeks against Green Bay and Chicago, aiming for his first three-game streak since 2021, when he was the NFL’s rushing champion. Meanwhile, Richardson has yet to fully display his running skills, with just 18 carries for 117 yards and one touchdown.
However, the Steelers believe this could change this weekend.
