The Colts head to Pittsburgh in Week 5 riding some momentum, and they may need a few under-the-radar contributors to keep it rolling.
Indianapolis is coming off a big win across the pond and returns to American soil with a 2-2 record. Shane Steichen’s team is trying to make it three straight victories in another road game, this time against a Steelers squad that dropped its Week 4 Thursday night matchup to the Cleveland Browns. Pittsburgh has had extra time to rest and get ready, but the Colts may still have the more dangerous overall roster.
That edge could show up through players who don’t usually dominate the conversation. Three names stand out as possible difference-makers in Week 5.
Jaylahn Tuimoloau is at the top of that list. With Arden Key sidelined by a hamstring injury, Tuimoloau has a real chance to take hold of a starting role and start changing the way people view him.
So far, he’s been quiet on defense, though he has chipped in with a couple of strong special teams plays. The former second-round pick has recorded five total pressures in 53 pass-rush snaps, and the matchup is there for the taking.
Pittsburgh allowed five sacks last week and no longer looks secure up front, which gives Tuimoloau a shot at the kind of game that can shift his season.
Justin Walley is another Colt who could matter a lot in this one. His season didn’t begin smoothly; in fact, he was a liability early, especially in Week 1.
But he has started to settle in and looks more like the player Indianapolis expected when it was so high on him before the season. That improvement gets tested here.
Browns rookie safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren had several pass breakups working in the big nickel role in Week 4, and with Aaron Rodgers not challenging defenses deep as often as he once did, Walley could be in for a busy afternoon. Roman Wilson is the more manageable assignment, but there’s still plenty for him to handle.
Then there’s Adetomiwa Adebawore, who has quietly become one of Indianapolis’ best stories this season. The Browns got three sacks in Week 4 from interior pressure, and Pittsburgh’s guards had a tough time stopping that bull rush.
Adebawore has been thriving next to DeForest Buckner, even if he still isn’t getting the attention his play deserves. He has 2.0 sacks over the past couple of games, and this matchup gives him a chance to push his name even further into the spotlight.
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Colts Fans Have Another Reason To Watch Marvin Harrison Jr. Closely
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Indianapolis, though, is not the club closing in on the deal. Arizona had reportedly been seeking at least a second-round pick for Harrison and more, a price that would have taken a hefty swing to satisfy, while speculation now points to the Texans as the possible mystery team in the mix. For Colts fans, the story is less about landing Harrison than watching a division rival angle for another big-name pass catcher and seeing where the market for him finally settles. [Read more 🡒]