NFL Week 9 Recap: Steelers Defensive Adjustments Spark Win

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

Defensive Strategy Changes Against the Colts

The Steelers had previously used their highest blitz rate of the season, 46%, against the Green Bay Packers, which backfired. Facing the Colts, a similarly effective offense against the blitz, Pittsburgh significantly reduced their blitz frequency to 24%, the lowest of the year.

Schematic Adjustments

Pittsburgh, known as the NFL’s third most blitz-heavy team, shifted their approach dramatically in Week 9.
They increased the use of Cover 2 defense to the highest rate of the season.
Simultaneously, they lowered their man coverage usage to the second-lowest rate.

These unpredictable defensive tactics disrupted the Colts’ passing offense.

Run Defense Performance

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

The Steelers had spent the previous six games facing rushing offenses ranked 18th or worse, so adjusting to the #1 run offense presented a significant challenge.

"Pittsburgh played nothing but rushing offenses that ranked #18 or worse for six straight games. Now, they had to go up against the #1 Colts."

Summary: The Steelers’ adaptive defensive tactics, including reducing blitzes and embracing versatile coverage schemes, were key to overcoming a top-ranked Colts offense and securing their Week 9 win.

Sharp Football Analysis — 2025-11-05