The DNA of a Championship Team
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Shane Steichen, the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, believes that championship-level teams share a common DNA. While the specifics of what constitutes this DNA might not be new, the way the Colts have been performing this season has certainly caught attention.
Creating takeaways on defense, having a balanced offense that can score in multiple ways, and a coaching staff capable of making real-time adjustments are all elements that have been part of football since its inception. What's new is that the Colts seem to be consistently showcasing these qualities in abundance.
A Season of Excellence
Through the first eight weeks of the season, the Colts (7-1) have forced more turnovers than only Chicago and Jacksonville. They've also produced the most yards and points on offense, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Steichen and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. This teamwork has set the Colts on a path that few outside the organization anticipated.
It's been an exciting two months for the team, but they're not getting ahead of themselves. Despite their success, the Colts, who haven't made the playoffs in five years, remain focused on each week's challenges.
"Don’t get complacent with anything because we know, like I’ve said before, it’s a week-to-week league and we got to come ready," Steichen said. "I mean we’re going to play a hell of a football team on the road in a hostile environment so we’ve got to be ready to roll."
Hostile Environment
Acrisure Stadium can indeed be a hostile place, especially for the home team. The Steelers have struggled recently, dropping two straight games and looking more like a team in name only. Their defense, which is the highest-paid in the NFL, is currently dead last in the league against the pass and 30th overall. They haven't recorded a takeaway in a month and allowed Green Bay's Jordan Love to complete 20 straight passes in a recent game.
Despite these challenges, Mike Tomlin remains calm. With over 18 seasons in Pittsburgh, he's weathered many storms and always managed to keep his team at .500 or better, often making the playoffs.
"The fix happens in stadium," Tomlin said. "And the rest of it is just talk."
Jonathan Taylor's Dominance
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is the standout player on the league's hottest offense. He scored three more touchdowns last week, marking the third time he's done so in four games and the fourth time this season. Taylor needed just 12 carries to produce 153 yards rushing, leading the NFL in rushing yards, touchdown runs, and total touchdowns.
"His vision has been off the charts," Steichen said. "But the physicality, the way he’s running through these arm tackles and spinning 360 (degrees) off these guys and getting the extra yards and toe tapping on the sidelines. I mean, it’s hard to really explain because it’s so impressive to watch."
Effort and Accountability
Longtime Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward raised eyebrows when he questioned his team's fight in the second half against Green Bay. He didn't back down from his comments, urging the team to focus on themselves during a difficult stretch.
"I challenge everybody, I challenge myself first and foremost, that’s always the way I’ve been raised," Heyward said. "You can’t look at anybody else, you've got to look at yourself. And the way to get this bad taste out of our mouth is just play better football."
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers dismissed the idea that the Steelers need to "rally the troops." He believes they've played good football, just not lately.
"I don’t know if we need to (rally the troops)," Rodgers said. "I think you got to stay the course."
Homecoming Week
Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren became a breakout star when he helped lead Penn State to the college football semifinals. A little over 10 months later, Warren returns to Pennsylvania looking every bit the dynamic playmaker he was for the Nittany Lions.
Warren is on pace to smash the club rookie records for catches and receiving yards by a tight end. He'll face a Steelers defense that will be without injured safety DeShon Elliott, who is out indefinitely with a knee injury.
"They do all kind of things with (Warren) because he’s really versatile and he’s a really good player," Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. "So it’s going be a big challenge. Obviously, losing DeShon will make it harder. But that’s the NFL."