When the Pittsburgh Steelers and host Indianapolis Colts meet Sunday, it'll be a matchup of a young offense relying on an explosive rusher against the league's top-ranked defense. Critical to the Colts' success is the 1-2 punch of sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor. Indianapolis' 21-16 win over the Chicago Bears last week was led by Taylor, who ran for 110 yards and two touchdowns.
Richardson threw for 167 yards with two interceptions. "Our offensive line sets the tone for those guys up front," said Colts head coach Shane Steichen. "JT's running really good and he's seeing it well, he's being patient, he's hitting the holes.
" The 2021 NFL rushing champion is seventh in the league this season with 261 yards. Behind him on the Colts is Richardson with 117 rushing yards. "We've got a big challenge in Jonathan Taylor, and I think that challenge is intensified because of Richardson's mobility and their willingness to use schematics regarding Richardson's mobility," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said.
"It is a big run game emphasis for us." If any team is up for the challenge of the Taylor and Richardson duo, it's Pittsburgh (3-0), which is off to its best start since 2020 and rated the No. 1 defensive team in the NFL (229.
0 yards per game). The Steelers allow 71.3 rushing yards per game and travel to Indianapolis with three straight games holding opponents to 10 points or less.
That's without edge rusher Alex Highsmith, who has been limited by a.