Steelers want to keep Colts’ defense on field
PITTSBURGH – There are 60 minutes in an NFL game.
Typically, both teams will possess the ball about 30 minutes.
Unless you’re the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts have held the ball an average of 36:56 this season, outscoring their opponents 216-136 during a 5-2 start.
Not only does that mean their opponents have had the ball for just 23 minutes per game, it means Indianapolis’ defense hasn’t had to play all that much.
That huge advantage in time of possession is part of the reason why the Colts head into Sunday’s game against the Steelers (4-3) with the NFL’s third-rated defense, allowing 311.1 yards per game.
But Indianapolis’ defense has had something to do with that as well. The Colts have allowed opponents to convert only four of 41 third downs in the past four games and for the season are allowing a conversion rate of just 26 percent, the best in the NFL.
That defense was on full display for the Colts last week when they held Cincinnati without a first down on its first eight possessions en route to a 27-0 win over the slumping Bengals.
“That just speaks for how good their defense is and that’s why it’s going to be a tough week. We have our hands full in preparation,” said Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
The Steelers have converted a respectable 40 percent of their third downs and have averaged just over 32 minutes in time of possession.
Against the Colts, who have outscored opponents 61-6 in the first quarter, Pittsburgh will not only need to possess the football but also end drives with touchdowns.
The Steelers believe their best defense will be a good offense.
“If we allow their offense to hold the ball, we know they’re going to score a lot of points,” said Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown, who leads the NFL with 719 yards receiving on 50 receptions.
“We have to be able to possess the ball and match those guys scoring touchdowns.”
That could be easier said than done.
The Colts have given up just eight touchdown passes and only four to wide receivers. And the defense has 21 sacks which have come from 11 different players. By comparison, the Steelers have recorded just 10 sacks.
But with Brown and running back Le’Veon Bell, who is one of only two players in the NFL to record at least 100 yards from scrimmage in every game – Dallas running back DeMarco Murray is the other – the Steelers are confident in their ability to score against the Colts.
Indianapolis is allowing 96.7 rushing yards per game, but much of that is because teams have been forced to abandon the run after falling behind. Opponents averaged4.6 yards per carry against the Colts but are averaging just 21 rushing attempts.
“It will be important for our offense to stay on the field,” said Bell. “I feel like we’ll be able to move the ball. Their defense hasn’t played much because their offense has been on the field so much. They really haven’t been tested playing a long game, having to play 60 plays on defense.
“We want to challenge those guys to play kind of like how their offense challenges teams to play.”
Linebacker Ryan Shazier (knee) was a full participant in practice Thursday and could play this week. He has missed the past four games. … Nose tackle Steve McLendon (shoulder) and offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert (concussion) did not practice Thursday. Cornerback Ike Taylor (forearm) and safety Shamarko Thomas (hamstring) were limited. … Running back Trent Richardson (hamstring) and wide receiver Reggie Wayne (elbow) missed practice for the second consecutive day for Indianapolis.