The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense had plenty of splash plays on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, generating six takeaways and five sacks against the top offense in the NFL.
Coach Mike Tomlin appreciated the three interceptions and three fumble recoveries that helped the Steelers defeat the Colts 27-20 at Acrisure Stadium following back-to-back losses. However, what Tomlin really liked about his defense was something much more fundamental than splash plays: stopping Jonathan Taylor, the league's leading rusher.
Taylor managed just 45 yards on 14 carries after averaging 106.3 yards through his first eight games this season. His longest run on Sunday was just 9 yards.
"Can't say enough about the defense's effort to minimize the runner," Tomlin said. "I don't think you slow that group down unless you minimize the runner, and we were able to do that. I think that's why we were able to get them in some one-dimensional circumstances, create some pressure, create some sacks, and the turnovers that go with that. It started with minimizing their dynamic runner. He is that. He's dynamic."
This time, it was the Steelers' defense that was dynamic. The Steelers did not have a takeaway in their previous three games and had been burned for 68 points and 924 total yards combined in their previous two games against the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers.
Those performances dropped the Steelers to 30th in the league in total defense. While the defense wasn't perfect – Daniel Jones had 342 passing yards – it got contributions from many players after being heavily criticized by the media and fans leading into the game.
Linebackers Payton Wilson and Jack Sawyer had interceptions that led to touchdowns, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr.'s pick with 2:44 remaining preserved a 10-point lead. T.J. Watt's strip sack preceded a TD, and fellow linebackers Patrick Queen and Alex Highsmith also forced fumbles.
Highsmith had two of the Steelers' five sacks, and Watt, Porter, and Keeanu Benton added one each. Wilson had 13 tackles, including nine solo stops.
"It was a tough week, but we certainly deserved it based on the last performance," Tomlin said. "I like the way the guys absorbed it, smiled in the face of it, and prepared and waited for the next opportunity. That's the National Football League. You get one opportunity every seven days. Sometimes you've got to wear it. We certainly wore it this week.
"I'm appreciative of their spirit, their efforts, their resolve. We weren't perfect in any of the three phases, but we fought. We did what was necessary. We made plays. So, it's a big-time win for the collective."