While it is certainly not a playoff game, Sunday's showdown between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts will probably feel like one. Both teams are 2-2 and could use a win to strengthen their position in their respective divisions. Indianapolis entered Sunday a game behind the Jaguars in the AFC South.
Pittsburgh is trailing both Baltimore and Cleveland by a game in the AFC North. Standings aside, this is an important game for both clubs. The Steelers need to stack wins during the season's first eight weeks as their schedule becomes much tougher after their Week 9 bye.
A loss on Sunday would do considerable damage to their playoff chances. The Colts, after starting the season 0-2, can get over .500 for the first time if they can win in a city that has historically been a house of horrors for the franchise. The two teams last played each other less than a year ago.
In Pittsburgh in Week 9, the Steelers recorded a 27-20 win on the strength of six forced turnovers. Pittsburgh led 27-7 with 6:51 left before the Colts scored two late touchdowns. The Steelers' defense recorded three interceptions of Daniel Jones, who was also sacked five times.
Two of those sacks were courtesy of Alex Highsmith, who also had a forced fumble. Another standout on the Steelers' defense that day was Joey Porter Jr., who had an interception, a sack, eight tackles and four pass breakups. Porter is now a Cowboy after he and the Steelers were unable to reach a contract extension.
Neither team was able to establish the run. Jonathan Taylor gained just 45 yards on 15 carries. Jaylen Warren was held to 31 yards on 16 carries, although he was able to find the end zone twice.
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