Fresh off back-to-back losses, the 4-3 Pittsburgh Steelers are set to do battle with the AFC-leading Indianapolis Colts. The Colts appear to be the league's best team as of right now, which is thanks in large part to the play of resurgent quarterback Daniel Jones and All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor. Not only do they have a talented team right now, but they have the right mindset, especially as they prepare to travel into the Steel City. As a matter of fact, Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin believes that Acrisure Stadium isn't much of a home-field advantage.
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Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave their Terrible Towels aggressively as Styx's famous song, Renegade plays during a home game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
While Pittsburgh has normally been a tough place to play for plenty of NFL teams over the years, Franklin and the Colts are not afraid to walk into Acrisure Stadium and battle. Below is what Franklin had to say to the Indianapolis media on Wednesday about playing in Pittsburgh, just days before the team heads to the Steel City:
"I know all about the towels, I know all about everything they got. It's okay. I know about the field. I've been in all the locker rooms," Franklin said. "I think we're going to be ready to play."
Franklin, who is in his eighth year with the Colts, also played college football at the University of Syracuse. Syracuse plays in the ACC with the University of Pittsburgh. So not only has he faced the Steelers in Pittsburgh several times throughout his NFL career, but he also faced Pitt on the road multiple times, too. Unfortunately for Franklin, he was winless in Pittsburgh during his college days (0-2) and is winless in Pittsburgh during his NFL career (0-2).
Indianapolis Colts
Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin speaks to the Indianapolis media.
That being said, he will have a great chance to end his drought in Pittsburgh this week. This 7-1 Colts team is firing on all cylinders, while the Steelers are starting to feel some pressure in a close AFC North race.
Steelers Need This Game More Than The Colts
The simple fact of the matter is that the Colts are on track for a great season. They are the only 7-1 team in the NFL, and a loss to the Steelers would be nothing more than a blip on the radar. However, for Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Pittsburgh, a win could mean everything. It looked like the sky was the limit after their 4-1 start to the season, but with the defense allowing at least 33 points and over 450 total yards each of the last two weeks, it remains to be seen whether or not this team can even make a playoff run. A loss here, and Pittsburgh drops to a record of 4-4 with a long trip out West to face the Los Angeles Chargers looming. Not to mention the fact that the noise outside the building will continue to get louder and louder.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin before a home game against the Green Bay Packers during the 2025 season.
However, with a win, this team can vault itself into a 5-3 record and a potentially lengthier lead in the AFC North. Remember, the rest of the division is under .500. Although the Steelers lost to the Cincinnati Bengals a few weeks ago, the Bengals just lost to the previously-winless New York Jets last week. The Baltimore Ravens are just 2-5, and the Cleveland Browns are a hopeless 2-6. A win on Sunday afternoon at home and Tomlin's team is back on track.
Look for future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers (104.4 passer rating) to play at the Pro Bowl level that he has played at all season long. Look for Pittsburgh's 30th-ranked defense to at the very least attempt to be semi-average at home after the way the last couple of weeks have gone. If no growth is seen from Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin's unit, even more serious questions will start to be asked about the future of this team.
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