5 Steelers the Colts must game plan for in Week 16
In possibly the best matchup of Week 16, the Indianapolis Colts (10-4) travel to the Steel City in hopes of potentially clinching a playoff birth. The Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) are coming off their worst loss of the year in Cincinnati on Monday night and want to get their season back on track.
Regardless of their three-game losing streak, Pittsburgh has a stacked roster with lots of talent on both sides of the ball. This will be a tough battle of two great defenses that will surely give Colts fans another heart attack, but hey, that’s every week right?
Here are five Steelers the Colts must game plan for in Week 16:
EDGE T.J. Watt
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As one of the premier defenders in the league, Watt has taken the league by storm since he was drafted in 2017. With 50 tackles and 13 sacks on the year, limiting Watt will be priority No. 1 for the Colts come Sunday. Both Anthony Castonzo and Braden Smith will have their hands full trying to stop Watt around the edge.
Yes, he has caught a lot of criticism in recent weeks for his pre-game Tik-Tok dances and lackluster performances on the field, but Smith-Schuster is still a dangerous target for Pittsburgh. As a big and fast receiver, he will likely be paired with Xavier Rhodes which will be an exciting matchup to watch for. Expect Ben Roethlisberger to get him the ball early and often.
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A nightmare that lives in Colts fan’s heads is the 94-yard interception return last year, in a game that was beyond frustrating, to say the least. Fitzpatrick has continued to dominate in 2020, leading the team in tackles at 66 total along with four interceptions. If Philip Rivers isn’t careful, Fitzpatrick could be in for a huge day in the Steelers’ already talented secondary.
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On the other side of the field, Edmunds is the second half of the Steelers’ dynamic safety duo. He is also skilled in the run and pass game, totaling 64 tackles and two interceptions during the year. If the Colts’ receivers can beat the talented safeties of Pittsburgh down the field, it should be a good day for Indy’s passing game. Although, that is no small task.
DT Cam Heyward
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Heyward is one of the best interior defenders in the league. He has 49 tackles and three sacks on the year, proving his effectiveness in the run and pass game. If the Colts want to run the ball, they will need to be able to block Heyward and the rest of the talented Steelers defensive line.
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