Indianapolis Colts Vs Pittsburgh Steelers Pre-Game Primer

Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) during the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts (5-2) have an extremely tough matchup this week as they travel to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) on the road. In a matchup that may have some playoff implications, the Colts look to increase their win streak to six on the season. The Colts are coming off a 27-0 home trouncing of the Bengals at home last week where the AFC North opponent had no answers for a suffocating defense.

Pittsburgh is coming off of a solid Monday Night Football win against the Houston Texans 30-23 at home. Houston came out fighting, but the Steelers rallied to handle the Texans on primetime. However, the Steelers are just two weeks removed from being embarrassed on the road against the rival Cleveland Browns, a loss that will surely be in their heads on Sunday afternoon.

Game Information:

Sunday, October 26, 4:25 p.m. EST
Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
Television: CBS

Let’s take a look at what things I’ll be watching for in this Indianapolis Colts vs Pittsburgh Steelers matchup:

• An adjusted offense: This offense will have an interesting look on Sunday; not bad, just interesting. Reggie Wayne will be held out of this matchup after sustaining an elbow injury last week while Trent Richardson (who hasn’t practiced all week) will be a game-time matchup for the Colts. In order for the team to make up for Wayne’s absence, receivers Hakeem Nicks and Donte Moncrief will have to step up on third down. Wayne hasn’t been dominant this year, so his loss won’t be a huge loss and the offense will still work like clockwork. If Richardson has to miss time, fans will finally get to see what it’s like for Ahmad Bradshaw to play an entire football game instead of Richardson. This will be a different look offense on Sunday.
• Stout run defense: Le’Veon Bell is one of the best young players in the NFL right now and is enjoying a really good season. The Colts, on the other hand, have had a really good season at covering the run. The matchup should be very interesting as the Colts will look to prevent Bell from getting his momentum going early in the game. Bell may be one of the best all-around backs in the NFL; he can run between tackles, cut outside and grab balls in the passing game as well. While the Colts have been good against backs that run it up the gut, they’ve been terrible against pass-catching backs (i.e. Darren Sproles, Week 2). Stop Le’Veon, and have the Pittsburgh offense is stopped in their tracks.
• Antonio Brown: Yes, Antonio Brown gets a blurb all to himself. This entire Pittsburgh team is held between him and Bell, so how he goes is representative of the offense. He’ll be covered by Vontae Davis, currently one of the best corners of the NFL who’s enjoying a fantastic season. This truly is a clash of the Titans as the AFC’s best wide receiver matches up against the AFC’s best cover corner. That will be matchup of the day to watch on Sunday.

Injury Updates:

Indianapolis Colts: Probable: DT Arthur Jones (ankle), CB Darius Butler (ankle) | Questionable: RB Trent Richardson (hamstring), TE  Jack Doyle (knee) | Out: WR Reggie Wayne

Pittsburgh Steelers: Probable: DE Brett Keisel, LB Ryan Shazier (knee), S Troy Polamalu, S Mike Mitchell | Doubtful: T Marcus Gilbert (concussion) | Out: NT Steve McLendon (shoulder), CB Ike Tayler (forearm), S Thomas Shamarko (hamstring)