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Why the Pittsburgh Steelers are undefeated as they meet the Indianapolis Colts in NFL Week 4

By Scott Horner, Indianapolis Star,

24 days ago

The Indianapolis Colts host the Pittsburgh Steelers in NFL Week 4 action, with the Colts coming off their first victory of the season and the Steelers holding one of the league's five undefeated records.

Pittsburgh is already two games clear of the rest of the AFC North after three weeks, riding a dominant defense and limiting offensive mistakes.

Steelers vs. Colts scouting report for NFL Week 4

Justin Fields is the Steelers quarterback

Justin Fields and Russell Wilson came to Pittsburgh in the offseason, and many believed Wilson would win the quarterback job. With Wilson sidelined by a calf injury, Fields has taken all the snaps, completing 73.3% of his passes for a modest 518 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. He has been sacked 6 times.

Fields' favorite targets are George Pickens (13 catches, 13.2 yards per, with 3 gains of 20+ yards) and Calvin Austin III (6 catches, 18 yards per, 1 TD, 2 20+-yard catches). Tight end Pat Freiermuth is his safety blanket (12 catches in 13 targets, 8.3 yards per).

Kyle Allen has been the backup, with Wilson only available in an emergency role. Wilson is participating in practice on a limited basis this week.

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Najee Harris leads Steelers' rushing attack

The fourth-year running back has 55 carries for 209 yards (3.8 per carry). Pittsburgh runs on 57% of its snaps, third-most in the league.

Fields is also the Steelers' second-leading rusher with 90 yards and their only rushing TD of the season.

Right guard James Daniels and rookie center Zach Frazier have high marks from Pro Football Focus for their run blocking. However, injuries leave the rest of the line uncertain. Two tackles − Troy Fautanu and Dylan Cook − are on injured reserve, and guard Isaac Seumalo is questionable. Spencer Anderson is playing guard and Calvin Anderson was signed this week to play either tackle spot.

Steelers keep mistakes to a minimum

Pittsburgh has committed just 1 turnover and averages possession for almost 34 minutes a game. They have had 8 drives that have consumed at least 5 minutes, 2 concluding with touchdowns and 3 with field goals.

While the Steelers have just 3 touchdowns, they have converted 43% of their 3rd-down plays, putting Chris Boswell in position to make 10-of-11 on field goals with a long of 57 yards.

Steelers defense is among NFL's best

Pittsburgh has allowed just 2 touchdowns, the fewest in the NFL, and 0 rushing TDs. The Steelers have limited opponents to 229.7 yards per game, haven't allowed more than 10 points in a game and have forced 5 turnovers. T.J. Watt has 3 sacks and 5 tackles for loss, and Nick Herbig has 2 sacks.

They will be missing linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin) and cornerback Cory Trice (hamstring), who was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday.

When do the Colts play the Steelers?

1 p.m. ET Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

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What channel are the Colts vs Steelers on? How to watch NFL Week 4 game

CBS , with Spero Dedes (play-by-play), Adam Archuleta (analysis) and Aditi Kinkhabawala (sideline reporting)

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How to stream, watch Colts-Steelers game for NFL Week 4

The Colts-Steelers matchup will stream on Paramount+ at 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. The app is available in the Apple App Store or on Google Play . Fans can also download NFL+ in the Apple App Store or on Google Play .