Go across enemy lines to learn more about the Colts Week 9 matchup vs. the Steelers and a weakness they can exploit

The Steelers started the year 4-1 but have since lost two straight. What has led to this regression?

"One word: Defense. The main issue is that when the unit fails to force turnovers the way they have the last two weeks, they have been exposed for what they are. Slow-footed, prone to miscommunication, and unable to cover. The secondary is the biggest issue, but even the pass rush has fallen off a cliff over the last two weeks. Oh, and they can't seem to stop the run unless they totally sell out, but then TEs eat them alive over the middle of the field. Simply put, it's bad right now." - Rob

What has Aaron Rodgers brought to the Steelers offense after recent years of instability at QB?

"We can talk about the experience and the wisdom that Rodgers has brought to the Steelers' offense. We can even talk about the tangible traits. His arm looks better than ever; he can still layer throws, and while his mobility isn't the same, it has looked better since his time with the New York Jets. But the keyword is accountability. Rodgers has called teammates out, and he holds players to a standard that, honestly, hasn't been seen from a QB in Pittsburgh a long time." - Rob

The Steelers' pass defense has been a mess. What is causing the team's struggles against opposing QBs right now?

"I'm going to give an answer that you probably won't hear many places, but the main issue seems to be eye discipline. A lot of the communication issues, mental errors, and blown assignments appear to be caused by too much independent contracting. The secondary needs to play as a group, as one, not as parts to a whole. If they solve that, they can get back to forcing turnovers and playing complementary football." - Rob

Final takeaways

First, I think the Colts and fans must treat the Steelers' QB as a legit threat. The Colts' defense has had its own struggles in the pass game as of late, but its ability to create turnovers has helped to soften the blow. This week, they go head-to-head with a future Hall of Famer who, if you don't get consistent pressure on, will find the open man more often than not. So pressure is on for a struggling Colts pass rush to step up and cause Rodgers to rush his process.

On the bright side, the Colts' offense has to be licking its lips at the possibility of facing off with this secondary. Jonathan Taylor's MVP-caliber start to the year has made some people forget that the Colts' passing game has also been fantastic. Daniel Jones leads the fourth-ranked pass offense and has multiple talented weapons at his disposal. This could be a game where Shane Steichen leans on the pass game more often than usual. But the team already likes to go pass-heavy early in games, then turn to Taylor and the run game late after building leads.