JJ Watt Sends Alarming Update To Steelers Fans About Playing The Colts

The Pittsburgh Steelers may lead the all-time series against the Indianapolis Colts, but history won’t matter when these two teams meet on Sunday. Pittsburgh has lost the last two matchups against Indianapolis, both under Head Coach Shane Steichen, who has now defeated Mike Tomlin twice. Steichen orchestrated a 30-13 win over the Steelers in 2023 and followed it up with a close 27-24 victory in 2024. Those results have made it clear that the Colts have figured out a way to challenge Pittsburgh consistently in recent seasons.

The Colts, led by quarterback Daniel Jones, are 7-1 and arguably the hottest team in the NFL right now. Their offense has been clicking, and their defense has shown the ability to make crucial stops when it matters most. Meanwhile, the Steelers have dropped two straight games in disappointing fashion, raising questions about their consistency and ability to execute under pressure. For Pittsburgh, an upset win over Indianapolis would be a massive boost and could help reverse the team’s momentum.

However, former NFL superstar pass rusher turned analyst JJ Watt doesn’t see an easy path for the Steelers. Watt warned that this matchup could be brutal for Pittsburgh while speaking on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday. He highlighted the Colts’ confidence and current form. With Steichen’s recent success against Tomlin and Jones playing at a high level, Watt believes the Steelers will face an uphill battle from kickoff to the final whistle. Sunday’s contest promises to be a true test of Pittsburgh’s resilience and ability to respond to adversity.

"I would say very different vibes right now," Watt said while speaking with McAfee on Wednesday. "Very different vibes in Pittsburgh just from a couple weeks ago... if the Ravens get a win on Thursday night, the vibes are just completely different over the course of a couple weeks. From the Colts' standpoint, just this morning, I was going through the film again. If you just look at it from a defensive coordinator standpoint... you are just drinking through a fire hose man."

The timing couldn’t be worse for the Steelers, as Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin has been under fire for several seasons and once again in the 2025 season. 

Despite having a ton of talent on the defense, he still hasn’t been able to get the unit to consistently stop giving up an absurd amount of yards per game or plug the persistent leaks. 

"They run all different motions," Watt said. "They run their playbook out of shotgun or they run it out of under center. They run it out of under condensed formations or they spread it out. They can run the ball with Jonathan Taylor or they can run an RPO that looks exactly the same and slip the ball in behind to Pittman. They have Alec Pierce... they have Tyler Warren... there is just a million different ways. And then oh yeah to top it all off, their offensive line can block for 15 seconds and give Danny Dimes all day long to protect."

According to Watt, that is about the worst news Steelers fans could hear ahead of this matchup with the Colts.

Steelers Have Awesome Opportunity To Regain Momentum In 2025 Season

The Steelers have an awesome opportunity to regain momentum in the 2025 season. The Colts are viewed as a legitimately top team in the NFL, and a win over them would quickly erase the sting of Pittsburgh’s last two disappointing losses. 

However, it won’t be easy, as the Colts’ offense is loaded with weapons capable of exploiting a reeling and struggling Steelers defense. Pittsburgh will need to play near-perfect football to pull off an upset and prove they belong among the league’s contenders.

What do you predict the final outcome of Sunday's Week 9 contest between the Colts and the Steelers will be? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

#SteelerNation