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.
Steelers' Defensive Strategy Shift
The Steelers heavily blitzed 46% of the time against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8, which backfired. Facing a comparable offense in Week 9, they significantly altered their approach.
- Their blitz rate dropped from 46% in Week 8, the highest of the season, to 24% against the Colts, marking their lowest blitz rate of the year.
- They implemented the highest rate of Cover 2 defense this season, while using man coverage at their second-lowest rate.
Impact on Colts' Offense
These defensive schemes disrupted the Colts' passing attack with increased unpredictability and creativity.
Run Defense Performance
The Steelers delivered their best run defense performance of the season against the NFL’s top-ranked rushing offense, the Colts.
- The Colts entered the game as the #1 rushing team.
- The Steelers' run defense was ranked #16 before the game.
- Before facing the Colts, the Steelers mostly defended against teams ranked #18 or worse in rushing for six straight games.
"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."
Summary: The Steelers' tactical drop in blitz frequency combined with strategic coverage adjustments disrupted the Colts' offensive rhythm, leading to a crucial Week 9 win.
Would you like the summary to be more detailed or more concise?