PITTSBURGH – Acrisure Stadium was buzzing in Week 9 as the Pittsburgh Steelers took the field against the Indianapolis Colts. Coming off a week filled with chatter from The Prediction Show that cast them as underdogs in their own house, head coach DK LaFleur’s squad had something to prove. And on Sunday, they delivered. Behind Desmond Ridder’s efficient passing, timely defensive playmaking, and the steady contributions of rookie running back Nate Carter, the Steelers emerged with a 38–31 victory, improving to 5–3 overall and 4–1 under LaFleur, continuing to reshape their identity in front of their home crowd.
Ridder’s Steady Hand
All eyes were on Desmond Ridder after weeks of scrutiny about whether he could “get it done.” Against the Colts, he silenced those doubts with one of his cleanest performances yet. Ridder threw three touchdown passes, completed 80 percent of his throws, and finished with a 130.2 NFL passer rating. More importantly, he threw zero interceptions, marking his second straight game without a turnover.
Unlike the week prior, Ridder did not need to light up the stat sheet with massive yardage totals. Instead, he delivered efficiency, rhythm, and poise, giving the Steelers exactly what they needed. For LaFleur, it was a clear step forward. “Desmond has been showing us exactly what we need to see,” LaFleur said postgame. “He is protecting the ball, making smart decisions, and when the moment is there, he is delivering. That is what you want from your quarterback.”
Since LaFleur’s arrival in Week 4, Ridder’s turnovers have fallen week by week. The trend has gone from three interceptions, to two, to one, and now back-to-back games with none. That progression is more than just numbers on a stat sheet. It is proof of a quarterback who is settling into his role, growing in confidence, and thriving within the system.
Carter’s Gritty Impact
Rookie running back Nate Carter continues to look like a midseason gem. His rushing numbers against Indianapolis were modest, with 14 carries for 50 yards and a touchdown, but Carter’s impact went far beyond the ground game. As a pass-catcher, he totaled 81 receiving yards and added a receiving touchdown, once again showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple ways.
LaFleur emphasized that Carter’s versatility is exactly what makes him so valuable. “He is young, but he is already proving he can do it all,” LaFleur said. “Even if the run game is tough sledding, he is finding ways to affect the game. That dual-threat ability is what we need, and he is embracing it.”
Carter’s ability to keep defenses honest was critical in opening up space for Ridder’s passing attack. Even when the Colts bottled him up on early downs, his presence as a checkdown option and red-zone threat gave Pittsburgh the balance it needed.
The Receiving Corps Steps Up
Tight end Jonnu Smith added his own steady presence, catching five passes including a touchdown that helped Pittsburgh maintain momentum in the first half. His reliability over the middle continues to complement DK Metcalf’s explosive downfield play and Calvin Austin’s quickness in space, giving Ridder multiple options at every level of the field.
Defense Makes the Difference
As much as the offense shined, the defense delivered the knockout blows. While giving up 31 points was far from the standard Pittsburgh aspires to, the unit produced splash plays at critical moments that swung the outcome.
Linebacker Cole Holcomb provided the game’s defining highlight in the third quarter. With the Colts driving on fourth down and looking to tie the game, Holcomb read Anthony Richardson perfectly, jumped the route, and returned the interception for a touchdown. The pick six extended Pittsburgh’s lead to two possessions and sent Acrisure Stadium into a frenzy.
“That was a momentum-changer,” LaFleur said. “Plays like that are why Cole is so valuable. He trusted his eyes, made a break, and finished the play. Those are the plays that win games.”
Patrick Queen also came through in a pivotal moment, forcing a fumble on Richardson during a scramble on third down. Rookie corner Joey Porter Jr. pounced on the loose ball, killing a Colts drive and giving the Steelers a chance to control the tempo.
Up front, the pass rush came alive. Nick Herbig, T.J. Watt, and Alex Highsmith each tallied a sack, keeping Richardson under pressure and forcing him into hurried throws. While the dual-threat quarterback still managed to produce, the Steelers’ ability to generate consistent pressure kept him from fully taking over the game.
Responding to Doubt
This win carried extra weight given the context. Drama and JC had gone on The Prediction Show earlier in the week and claimed that Ridder could not get it done. The Steelers not only got it done, but Ridder in particular shined in the exact area they doubted him: decision-making and composure.
For LaFleur, the outside noise is just fuel. “We hear everything. And honestly, I love it,” he said with a grin. “Let people doubt us, let them doubt Ridder, let them doubt this team. That is when we play our best. Pittsburgh thrives when our backs are against the wall.”
Looking Ahead
The win moves the Steelers to 5–3 and keeps them firmly in the mix in the AFC playoff race. While the defense will need to tighten up to avoid surrendering 30-plus points again, the splash plays on Sunday showed that this unit is capable of stepping up when it matters most. Offensively, Ridder’s continued growth and Carter’s emergence provide reasons for optimism as the season progresses.
For Steelers Nation, Week 9 was more than just a win in the standings. It was validation that this team is trending upward under LaFleur, that Ridder is growing into the role, and that the black and gold are never to be counted out in their own house.
Final score: Steelers 38, Colts 31.
– Forged In Steel Times
