Lessons learned as the Indianapolis Colts upset the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4

In an up-and-down game, the Indianapolis Colts (2-2) held on to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1), despite an injury to second-year QB Anthony Richardson that forced him out of the game in the first quarter. It was a total team effort for the Colts as they made huge plays on both offense and defense. The Steelers entered the game undefeated and slight favorites on the road, but Indianapolis was ready for the challenge.

There were some familiar sights on Sunday inside Lucas Oil Stadium, including Jonathan Taylor’s consistent production, dominant offensive line play, and suspect pass defense. But we also learned a lot about a team still finding their identity this season. With Indianapolis now on a two-game win streak, here’s what we’ve discovered.

Fast starts are a welcome change

Leading up to Week 4, the Colts had scored on exactly one drive during the first quarter of a game. That sole touchdown was back in Week 1 against Houston, meaning Indianapolis has been held scoreless in the opening phase against both Green Bay and Chicago. A slow start, especially when it leads to an early deficit, can be a crippling blow to a team. In the case of the Colts, it has forced to them play out of rhythm and handed control of the game to their opponents.

Indianapolis flipped the script against Pittsburgh and found the end zone on each of their first two drives, while the defense held strong. They jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead, which energized the crowd and gave them the freedom to play their preferred style of football without desperation. Throughout the rest of the game, the Colts leaned on Taylor (who finished with 21 carries), and took care of the ball on offense. The defense was also under less pressure, and was afforded a greater margin of error. Even when the Steelers mounted their comeback, this cushion ensured the Colts never once lost the lead. Indianapolis may find life in the NFL easier if they make fast starts a habit going forward.

Colts offense isn't actually better with Joe Flacco

From the Colts’ perspective, the biggest storyline of the game was 39-year-old backup QB Joe Flacco stepping up in the first quarter after Richardson hurt his hip. Taking his first snaps of the 2024 season, Flacco didn’t do anything special, but he did do enough to help Indianapolis hang on to the victory.

While Flacco deserves praise for keeping the offense afloat in Richardson’s unexpected absence, this victory isn’t necessarily a sign that the former Super Bowl champion deserves to start. Despite Richardson's accuracy issues, he brings a skillset to this team that Flacco can't match. Richardson’s arm talent and athleticism make the Colts offense more dangerous and difficult to gameplan against.

When Flacco entered the game, Indianapolis became highly one-dimensional. The Steelers never had to worry about him as a serious running threat and, at this stage of his long NFL career, he just doesn’t have the arm strength to stretch the field with deep throws. The Colts settled for short-to-medium range passes, which was predictable and simple for Pittsburgh to defend. Richardson was the driving force of Indianapolis’ 14-point first quarter, but the Colts only scored 13 more over the remaining three quarters once Flacco fully took over. Even if Richardson’s errant throws and decisions can be tough to watch at times, his ability to attack opposing defenses in multiple ways is too valuable to ignore.

Michael Pittman Jr. is just fine… and don’t forget about Josh Downs

The Colts’ No. 1 wide receiver exploded in Week 4 for six catches and 113 yards. After a quiet start to the season with 88 total receiving yards over the first three weeks, Michael Pittman Jr. quieted any critics skeptical of whether he could deliver on the lucrative contract he signed this past offseason. The fifth-year pro was targeted all across the field, including two deep completions to kick off the Colts’ first two scoring drives. Armed with size and reliable hands, Pittman remains a go-to option in this offense.

In addition to Pittman’s stellar performance, we also witnessed Josh Downs reasserting himself as one of the better slot receivers in the league. Downs impressed in his rookie year, but he missed most of training camp as well as Weeks 1 and 2 due to injury. After a forgettable game against Chicago, Downs led Indianapolis with eight catches and turned them into 82 yards and a touchdown. He constantly found pockets of space in the Steelers defense and gave the Colts’ QBs quick-and-easy targets. Head coach Shane Steichen has plenty of big and athletic receivers at his disposal, but Downs is a unique weapon who should be a massive part of the offense this year.

Colts defense isn’t perfect, but they’re opportunistic

It was a tale of two halves for the Indianapolis defense. The same unit that held Pittsburgh to just three points in the first half then conceded touchdowns on three straight possessions in the second. The Colts allowed Justin Fields to have, by far, his best game as a passer in 2024, while the combination of Fields and Cordarelle Patterson punished Indianapolis on the ground.

Pittsburgh may have posted their highest scoring total of the season and once again exposed defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s secondary and run defense, but Indianapolis should still be proud of their playmaking. In critical moments throughout the game, the Colts defense produced much-needed highlights including four sacks, two fumble recoveries, and many more QB pressures, pass breakups, and stops. At the end of the day, these plays are what won the game for Indianapolis.

We might have (another) kicker problem

Ever since Adam Vinatieri hung up his cleats back in 2019, the Colts have cycled through many kickers. All were promising, but none have provided the stability that Vinatieri did in his 14 seasons with Indianapolis. Matt Gay took over as the kicker last year and attempted the second-most field goals in the league, but his 80.5% success rate ranked towards the lower end.

He particularly struggled on longer-range kicks, and those challenges have persisted into the 2024 season. Gay has missed both of his 50+ yard attempts so far this year, including a 50-yarder against the Packers and a 54-yarder against the Steelers. Every one of the Colts’ games this season has been decided by one score — these are the times when clinical kicking can make all the difference. If Gay continues to be a liability, even though he is one of the highest-paid kickers in the league, don’t be surprised if Indianapolis looks for alternative options.