NFL Week 9 Recap: Steelers Defensive Adjustments Spark Win
Warren Sharp analyzes how the Steelers’ defensive changes led to their victory over the Colts in Week 9.
Strategic Defensive Changes Against the Colts
The Steelers altered their defensive approach significantly. After using their highest blitz rate of the season—46%—in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers, which backfired, they reduced this to 24% against the Colts, their lowest rate of the year.
Coverage Scheme Adjustments
Pittsburgh increased their use of Cover 2 defense to the highest rate of the season while decreasing man coverage to the second-lowest rate. These unpredictable adjustments disrupted the Colts’ passing game effectively.
Run Defense Improvement
The Steelers delivered their best run defense of the season facing the NFL’s top rushing offense. Entering the game, the Colts boasted the number one rushing attack, while the Steelers’ run defense was ranked 16th. Prior to this, the Steelers had faced six consecutive rushing attacks ranked 18th or lower.
“Pittsburgh, the #3 most blitz-heavy team in the NFL, dropped their blitz rate from 46% in Week 8, their highest of the year, to 24% against the Colts, their lowest of the year.”
“The creativity and lack of predictability defensively threw off the Colts’ passing game.”
Author’s summary: The Steelers’ defensive tweaks—including cutting blitz frequency and varying coverage—were key to shutting down the Colts’ top-rated offense and securing their Week 9 win.