The Indianapolis Colts have had a bit of a roller-coaster season. Two losses (one brutally ugly) were followed by two victories (one dominant and ugly at the same time). The question was whether Indy fans would learn more about their team in Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers than they had already assumed.
One concern heading into the game was the number of turnovers that quarterback Daniel Jones had been having against a defense that liked to take the ball away. If Jones was able to have better ball security, Indianapolis should have been able to get its first victory in Pittsburgh since 2008.
Instead, the issue wasn't Daniel Jones turning the ball over, but Indianapolis' inability to convert in the red zone, at least in terms of touchdowns. Field goals don't win games, despite Spencer Shrader tying a franchise record with five made field goals in a loss to the Steelers, 34-22.
Quick takeaways from the Indianapolis Colts versus the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5
Colts decided to finally trust CJ Allen
Indianapolis continued to rotate inside linebackers throughout the game, something most teams don't do. As opposed to the first four games of the season, though, rookie Allen finally saw the field for a lot of plays. He was beaten badly on a short touchdown pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth.
Overall, Allen didn't look so bad that it was clear why the team wasn't playing him. Why they weren't will remain a mystery, but one the team will never truly answer.
Another week, another game Spencer Shrader proving the Colts were correct
For a kicker who was accurate last season but didn't seem to have a strong leg, Shrader looks literally like a different player this season. He doesn't miss field goals, and he has no issues beyond 50. In the first half against the Steelers alone, Shrader made one kick from 57 yards and then the next from 56 yards. He is kicking like an All-Pro and is now part of the Indy record books.
If the glove fits for Daniel Jones, don't wear it
During the lead-up to the game, Jones had tested out wearing a glove on his throwing hand. The weather conditions at the beginning of the game were awful, but things got better as the game wore on. Had Jones worn the glove in the game, it would have been the first time he had ever done that. Instead, he eschewed the glove, and thankfully, didn't have any turnover issues.
Shane Steichen's first half decision was costly
In the second quarter, Indy scored a touchdown to get to 14-12, but instead of going for two points, Steichen decided to kick the extra point, meaning Indianapolis would still be trailing. Maybe the coach was thinking that plenty of time remained and the team would have a chance to catch up. Ultimately, it meant that the Colts were forced to always play from behind.
Lou Anarumo's unit underperforms again when facing a decent quarterback
Aaron Rodgers is nowhere near the quarterback he once was, and yet he was able to lead his offense to 7 yards per play well into the fourth quarter before Pittsburgh just tried to run out the clock. Explosive plays were a problem, and missed tackles were atrocious. Still, the organization won't blame Anarumo's scheme and will blame the players instead.
The truth is, Anarumo's track record as a defensive coordinator isn't a successful one. What the Colts are getting is what should have been expected. Things aren't going to suddenly change for the better.
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