3 Big Picture Thoughts From Pittsburgh: What NEEDS to Be Fixed vs. Tennessee

The Indianapolis Colts faced a somewhat expected defeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers, highlighting the areas that require improvement. The loss came after a challenging road game following their initial setback in London. The defense, in particular, struggled, as evidenced by a critical 80-yard touchdown scored by Jaylen Warren, which demonstrated significant flaws in the team's tackling and communication on defense.

1. **Defense Communication Shortcomings**: The communication breakdown on the defensive side was a major red flag, with Warren's impressive play highlighting the need for better coverage. The Colts failed to provide adequate support for the running back, with techniques not aligning, allowing Warren to go untouched in the flat. This static look in the defensive formation, where no adjustments or support are seen, is basic and unacceptable at the professional level.

Coaches and young players must address this issue early in training camp, as such errors can be detrimental to the team's overall performance.

2. **Lack of Youth on Defense**: The Colts' decision to not fully embrace their plan to add younger talent to the defense further complicates their situation. The acquisition of Germaine Pratt, who had moments of notable performance, seems to be an afterthought rather than a strategic move. The discrepancy between the coaches' verbal promises of getting younger and faster on defense and the on-field execution indicates a deeper issue.

Either the players drafted do not meet the expected standards, or the coaching staff is not effectively developing their talents. This failure to align the messaging with actual on-field results raises concerns about the direction of the defense.

3. **Daniel Jones' Performance and Future**: Daniel Jones showed some improvement but still faces significant challenges in a system that lacks a reliable run game. The pressure of dropping back over 40 times without a strong ground game is unsustainable for a quarterback, regardless of their skill level. Jones' ability to play at a high level is contingent on having a robust run game and adequate support from his offensive line.

The Colts need to invest more in enhancing these aspects of their offense to provide Jones with a better environment to succeed. While Jones may improve with more experience, the current team structure and talent surrounding him are not conducive to sustained success.