NFL Week 9 Recap: Steelers Defensive Adjustments Spark Win

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

Key Defensive Changes

The Steelers, previously relying heavily on blitzing, altered their approach against the Colts. After using their highest blitz rate of the season (46%) in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers and suffering a heavy defeat, they reduced their blitz rate to 24% in Week 9, marking their lowest of the year.

Schematic Adjustments

Pittsburgh also increased their use of Cover 2 coverage to the highest level of the season, while dialing back man coverage to the second-lowest rate. This strategic unpredictability disrupted the Colts' passing attack.

Run Defense Improvement

The Steelers delivered their best run defense performance this season against the NFL's top-ranked rushing offense. Before this game, the Colts led the league in rushing, while the Steelers’ run defense was ranked 16th.

Importantly, the Steelers had faced only weaker run offenses ranked 18th or lower in their previous six games before confronting the dominant Colts ground game.

"The creativity and lack of predictability defensively threw off the Colts' passing game."

Summary: The Steelers’ strategic defensive adjustments, reducing blitzing and increasing zone coverage, along with an improved run defense, were crucial in overcoming the top-ranked Colts rushing attack.

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Sharp Football Analysis — 2025-11-05