Steelers' Mike Tomlin Makes Telling Statement About Rookie Jack Sawyer After Big Week 9 Win

The Pittsburgh Steelers fan base really needed to see the defense have a good game, and in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts, they got just that. Fortunately or unfortunately, the Steelers have found their recipe for winning, and it involves the defense forcing at least five or more takeaways to have a chance. On Sunday, that plan worked perfectly. The defense came up huge, forcing six turnovers from the Colts' offense and helping the Steelers secure a 27-20 win in a much-needed performance that kept their contender status somewhat alive.

One of the biggest moments of the game came in the second half when rookie Jack Sawyer stepped up and made a play that completely shifted the momentum. After linebacker Payton Wilson tipped a pass at the line of scrimmage, Sawyer reacted instantly, diving for the interception and giving the Steelers offense a short field to work with. The takeaway energized the entire stadium. It was a glimpse of the future in Pittsburgh, built around speed, instincts, and relentless effort.

After the win, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke with the Pittsburgh media about Sawyer’s big play. He could not hide his pride, smiling while acknowledging the impact of his 2025 fourth-round draft pick. Tomlin’s reaction showed that Sawyer is earning respect quickly within the team, and his performance on Sunday suggested that he could become a key contributor to the Steelers’ defense moving forward.

"[Laughs], man the sun is always shining on Jack Sawyer," Tomlin said with a huge smile on his face. "He is a five star, [laughs]."

Sawyer was a star in college and played a major role in the Buckeyes’ 2024 National Championship run. He has continued to impress the Steelers' coaching staff, and on Sunday, his hard work paid off when he came up with an interception that helped Pittsburgh pull off an upset victory. The Steelers entered the game as three-point home underdogs, facing one of the NFL’s top offenses in the Colts.

Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce played well and were productive for the Colts, but the Steelers’ defense still forced six turnovers, but only won by seven points. That is not a long-term, sustainable winning recipe, as forcing six turnovers in a game is incredibly volatile. Still, it was exciting to see Pittsburgh pull off the upset against one of the best teams in the NFL.

This win was massive and should give the defense momentum moving forward. The Steelers needed that performance, and it showed what the team can accomplish when the defense is firing on all cylinders. Steelers fans love seeing the behind-the-scenes look into just how highly regarded Sawyer is in the eyes of Tomlin.

Steelers' Defense Shows Up Against The Colts

The performance against the Colts proved that the Steelers’ defense can carry the team in big moments, but consistency will be key moving forward. Rookie contributions like Sawyer’s interception signal that the future of this defense is bright, and players are beginning to step into impactful roles earlier than expected. 

Sunday’s victory also reinforced the idea that momentum can be a powerful factor in the NFL, giving confidence to both the veterans and the younger players. While forcing six turnovers is not something that can happen every week, the energy, discipline, and preparation displayed in this game set a tone the Steelers will need to maintain as the season continues.

What grade would you give the Steelers' defense through the first nine weeks of the 2025 NFL season? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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