The Steelers enter Saturday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts with a 7-6 record, sixth place in the conference, and a Wild Card playoff spot.
The Colts have a 7-6 record, are sixth in the league, and occupy the final Wild Card spot.
It will be a struggle for both teams in a game with a lot at stake.
“It’ll be a heck of a challenge,” Colts Coach Shane Steichen said. “It’s good to be back at Lucas Oil with our fans.” On Saturday, that will be thrilling.”
The Colts discussed Saturday’s game, featuring T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Mitch Trubisky, and others.
Coach Shane Steichen on what he has seen from the Steelers on tape:
“They’re a physical group. That’s kind of been their M-O with (Mike) Tomlin there. They’ve done a really good job. Defensively, it starts up front. (Alex) Highsmith and (T.J.) Watt are really good players then (Cameron) Heyward, a veteran guy inside and then (Joey) Porter Jr., the rookie corner is a good player. Patrick Peterson, obviously a veteran player, and Minkah Fitzpatrick in the backend. A really good defense. I think they are plus-10 in the turnover margin, so they do a good job of taking the ball away. Ball security is going to be at a premium for us this week, which will be big.
“On offense, (George) Pickens is an explosive player, and they have two running backs.” It’ll be a struggle, but it’ll be nice to be back at Lucas Oil with our fans. On Saturday, that will be thrilling.”
“I feel like when you play the Steelers defense, they have their own brand of ball,” says Steelers quarterback Gardner Minshew II. It’s a very physical, brutal game; their backers play downhill, and they’re quite good up front. I believe they’re still using the same ball they’ve always used.”
Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter on the challenge T.J. Watt presents:
“I don’t think I’m breaking any ground when I say I’m one of the premier players in this league.” He’s an outstanding performer. Obviously, you receive a lot of love in this league for rushing the passer, sacking the quarterback, impacting the quarterback, and other such things. I recently watched him intercept a ball, I’ve seen him bat balls down, and they occasionally drop him. He’s back there, and he gets a lot of depth on those drops.
“He’s got a lot of talent.” He’s one of the league’s greatest defenders, if not the best. He’s a fantastic player. We have to know where he is and what the plan is for him every play, respect him going in, and face the task front on. A fantastic football player. They have a lot of pretty good football players. I know he gets a lot of attention, and it’s well earned, but we’re up against a tremendously good defense on Saturday. They’ve got a good thing going with a solid defensive coordinator.
“The challenge is real for us, and we’re looking forward to it.” “Hopefully, we’ll get a nice Saturday afternoon home crowd out there to support us and see if we can’t pick up a few points against these guys.”
Minshew on if he needs to prepare differently now that T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are in concussion protocol: “I’m not sure. I believe you must prepare for the fact that they are playing. Both are excellent players, and I believe we will have a strategy for them. If they don’t play, we adjust as needed, but we have to prepare because they’re really excellent.”
Receiver Alec Pierce on playing against the Steelers defense:
“They’re definitely a physical, tough team. We know that, so we have to match it and it starts with preparation in practice.”
Steichen on what he appreciates about the longevity Mike Tomlin has had:
“It’s incredible. I don’t know if he’s had a losing season, is that correct? It’s incredible. What he’s done throughout his career, getting those guys ready to play every single week. Obviously, he’s got them ready. They’re prepared. They play hard every week. Obviously, I’m sure he’s got a great message for those guys every week. It’s impressive to see.”
Linebacker Zaire Franklin on what the defense has to do going against Mitch Trubisky:
“He’s been in this league, he’s been in a few systems. They trust him with the ball. They trust him to be the guy. We just have to take care of him. They still have dangerous weapons on the outside in (George) Pickens and Diontae (Johnson). Obviously, they have a great run game that he’ll be playing off of too. We just have to be able to stop that.”
Steichen on if he has to plan for his offense having crowd noise with the way Steelers fans travel:
“I think our fans are going to be ready to roll. I think our fans are going to show up and be loud. Our fans will be ready.”
Franklin on embracing what the game is going to be like with playoff implications for both teams:
“It’s one that you look forward to all season, all offseason. Back at home in Lucas Oil (Stadium) against a great opponent, a great coach. I know they’ll be disciplined. I know they’ll be physical. Type of battle that you’re always looking forward to so I’m thankful for the challenge.”
