Colts HC Shane Steichen helps team overcome another boogeyman in win over Steelers

Two weeks ago, the Colts topped the Tennessee Titans, 31-28 in overtime, sweeping the season series for the first time since 2018. Prior to Steichen's arrival, they had dropped six of their last seven games against their AFC South rival. 

Finally, the Colts solved Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots, escaping with a 10-6 win in Week 10. Indianapolis was 1-9 against the Patriots in their previous 10 meetings. 

The turnaround from a four-win team a year ago to what they are today would be impressive in its own right, but the Colts are succeeding without several key players, including rookie QB Anthony Richardson (shoulder), star RB Jonathan Taylor (thumb) and starting RT Braden Smith (knee), along with breakout back Zack Moss (arm) and No. 1 wideout Michael Pittman Jr. (concussion), who left Saturday's game with injuries. 

Steichen's Colts responded with the same next-man-up mentality on Saturday as they have throughout most of the season. Backup QB Gardner Minshew finished 18-of-28 for 215 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions against the Steelers while veteran RB Trey Sermon and rookie Tyler Goodson split backfield duties, combining for 157 yards off 28 carries. At the same time, second-year WR D.J. Montgomery and TE Mo Alie-Cox recorded TD receptions. 

Many teams in the Colts' position would crumble. Nevertheless, Steichen's group has persevered and their spirited performance this year in the face of almost constant adversity should have his name at the top of any list of Coach of the Year candidates.