The Pittsburgh Steelers bounced back in Week 9 after back-to-back losses with a strong 27-20 upset win over the previously one-loss Indianapolis Colts. In Pittsburgh's victory, Head Coach Mike Tomlin's defense recorded a whopping six turnovers. One of the catalysts on defense was none other than cornerback Joey Porter Jr. With his Super Bowl-winning father in attendance, along with the rest of the legendary 2005 team, Porter recorded eight total tackles, four pass deflections, a sack, and a very key fourth quarter interception. The Colts came into this game boasting the No. 1 offense in the league, but Porter Jr. and co. found a way to shut them down.
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Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. fires up the Pittsburgh crowd at Acrisure Stadium.
During his postgame press conference, Tomlin spoke about the significance of Porter's interception and the collective performance of the defense on Sunday afternoon.
"Certainly, that was a significant play by Joey. We had a lot of significant plays, though. We did. We had a lot of contributions from a lot of people," Tomlin said.
Tomlin is more than right about how the team got plenty of contributions from plenty of players. Porter played like an All-Pro all game long. Linebacker Payton Wilson had a breakout game as he led the team with 14 total tackles, notched two pass deflections, and, like Porter, he also made a significant interception. Furthermore, edge-rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, as well as fellow linebacker Patrick Queen, each recorded a forced fumble.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers superstar pass rusher TJ Watt celebrates with the football after making one of his iconic splash plays against the Colts.
The defense recorded five sacks and allowed just 55 rushing yards to MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor and the rest of the Colts' rushing offense. While Indianapolis was able to outgain Pittsburgh by over 145 total yards, it was the turnovers that clearly made the difference in the game. Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin and his unit performed at an incredible level in front of their fans on Sunday. At their best, the Steelers can be an elite defense when they are able to go after the ball. Remember, heading into this game, they were one of a handful of teams to already have forced double-digit turnovers on the season.
Steelers' Offense Assists Defense In Win Over Colts
Not only did Pittsburgh's defense come to play, but the offense showed up, too. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed over 71% of his passes and threw a touchdown en route to helping the Steelers offense secure 27 points. He was able to find nine different pass-catchers, which continues to be a theme with Rodgers when he drops back to pass. The four-time MVP loves to incorporate as many people as he can down the field. While the offense only gained 38 yards on the ground, they took advantage of the short fields that the defense gave them. For the third consecutive week, Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has guided a unit that has produced at least 25 points. Still, this group has recorded fewer than 21 points just once on the season. While it isn't the most beautiful scheme, it has been more than formidable so far.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Pittsburgh, PA.
When the Steelers play complementary football like they did Sunday afternoon, they are one of the best teams in football. That much is true. Now sitting at an overall record of 5-3, Tomlin and co. are in first place with a two-game lead on the next closest team, which happens to be the arch-rival Baltimore Ravens. Next up on the schedule for Pittsburgh are the Los Angeles Chargers, who are 6-3 and will be hosting the Steelers out in Hollywood a week from now. With this win over the Colts, this team should now have the confidence it needs to beat any team. Both sides of the football have the strength and power to be elite.
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