Scouting Report: Colts to host Steelers in NFL Week 15

Steel City Underground will provide fans in Steelers Nation a pre-game scouting report of each of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ opponents during each week of the 2023 NFL regular season, comprised of items from top storylines and insights.

The Indianapolis Colts (7-6) benefitted from the loss the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) took against the Arizona Cardinals only to lose to the Cincinnati Bengals last week in what has become a very tight race in the AFC. The Colts have the same win-loss record as their division rival Houston Texans and are a game behind the AFC South division-leading Jacksonville Jaguars.

Indianapolis will host the Steelers in NFL Week 15 in a battle between two teams with true playoff placement on the line.

Offensive woes continue

Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew was unable to elevate the offense over the Bengals. Minshew completed 26-of-39 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown in the game but also threw a costly interception. The Bengals applied heavy defensive pressure, making Minshew uncomfortable throughout the match, resulting in three sacks.

The run game might have elevated some of the pressure, but against the worst run defense in the league, the Colts earned just 46 yards on 18 carries as Zack Moss carried the majority of the workload. Part of that was due to Indianapolis’ offensive line being unable to create the push needed to open any run lanes.

The Colts were very one-dimensional offensively with receiver Michael Pittman Jr. being the lone player to maintain tempo by grabbing eight receptions for 95 yards in a season that has seen him go six straight games with at least eight catches.

Three-phase concerns

While the Colts offense sputtered, the defense was unable to generate much pressure of their own against the Bengals. That’s something they need addressed before they play the Steelers. The inability to defend screen plays was clearly noticeable. That doesn’t bode well for Indy as they face a Pittsburgh team that has utilized the screen heavily in the recent past.

Indianapolis played one of their worst games of the season in Week 14. Self-inflicted wounds and allowing themselves to be dominated in all three phases of the game put them in a situation to try to come from behind.

Although Pittsburgh has had its own share of poor execution this season, they’re in a position to exploit mistakes the Colts may make this weekend. Personnel will likely play a major factor for the Steelers, but they have been near the top of the league in taking advantage of turnovers which means the Colts will need to execute at a much higher level, and take care of the ball.

Injury update

Colts head coach Shane Steichen considers cornerback JuJu Brents to be “progressing well” in recovering from a quad injury in Week 7. Brents did a full walkthrough at Tuesday’s practice. Joining him was linebacker E.J. Speed (knee).

Running back Jonathan Taylor (thumb) and right tackle Braden Smith (knee) were non-participants.

As Saturday’s game approaches, fans should keep an eye on the official injury report.

For the bulletin board