NFL Week 9 Recap: Steelers Defensive Adjustments Spark Win

Warren Sharp analyzes how the Steelers' defensive changes led to their victory over the Colts in Week 9.

Key Defensive Adjustments

The Steelers entered the game as the third most blitz-heavy team in the NFL. In Week 8, they blitzed at a season-high rate of 46% against the Green Bay Packers, but that strategy backfired. Facing a Colts offense that had previously excelled against the blitz, Pittsburgh made a dramatic shift.

Blitz rate dropped from 46% in Week 8 to 24% against the Colts—the lowest of the season.
Steelers played their highest rate of Cover 2 and their second-lowest rate of man coverage all year.
Defensive unpredictability disrupted the Colts' passing game.

Run Defense Breakthrough

The Steelers faced the NFL’s top-ranked rushing offense. Prior to this game, Pittsburgh’s run defense ranked 16th, and they had only faced rushing attacks ranked 18th or worse for six consecutive weeks. The Colts, entering the matchup as the league’s best rushing team, presented a major challenge.

The Steelers delivered their best run defensive performance of the season against the NFL’s #1 rushing offense.

Author’s Summary

The Steelers’ strategic defensive shift, reducing blitzes and increasing Cover 2, combined with their standout run defense, was key to overcoming the Colts’ top-ranked offense.

Sharp Football Analysis — 2025-11-05