The Steelers have a tough challenge this week when they take on the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium.
The Colts come in with a 7-1 record and first place in the AFC, behind quarterback Daniel Jones.
The Colts are expecting to face a hostile crowd in Pittsburgh, something they are focusing on in preparation this week.
"Starting off, looking at Pittsburgh, obviously a very talented football team going on the road in a hostile environment," said Coach Shane Steichen. "Got a lot of respect for their players, their coach. I think they do a phenomenal job. So, we're looking forward to the opportunity to go on the road."
The Colts weighed in on the environment, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and more.
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Coach Shane Steichen on his assessment of quarterback Aaron Rodgers:
"One of the best to do it for sure of all time. Still can throw the crap out of it. Makes really good decisions. So, we've got to do a great job with our coverages on the backend and our pass rush, because he can still do it at a high level. So, we just got to be ready to go."
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo on what sticks out about playing Aaron Rodgers:
"So many things. His amazing arm talent is still there. It's amazing how he throws the ball, how fast. He gets the ball out faster than any quarterback in the league. He is still unbelievably accurate. Can make every throw at any point on the field.
"Obviously, he can see all the things you're trying to do whether it's a disguise or this or that. He's seen it all.
"So, anytime you're playing against a Hall of Fame player, especially at that position, it's going to bring a ton of challenges. He's been a great player, is a great player. We have the utmost respect for him."
Quarterback Daniel Jones on what Rodgers has meant to the quarterback position:
"I've certainly looked up to him for a long time. It's a lot of fun watching him play, just what he's able to do physically, and then mentally as well. I think he's one of the greats for sure. So, a ton of respect for him. I've always enjoyed watching him."
Linebacker Zaire Franklin on what stands out about Rodgers with the Steelers:
"I feel like he's in a situation where he's comfortable. I think the last few years he's been uncomfortable, and I think that's where some of the issues kind of arose. But obviously, we know the type of coach Mike Tomlin is. He gets all those guys to buy in, believe and they're going to be a tough team. So, we got to make sure we're ready."
Franklin on if making Rodgers uncomfortable on Sunday is a priority:
"Yeah, I would definitely say that's our goal for sure."
Tight end Tyler Warren on Rodgers being on the other sideline:
"That'll be cool. I think it'll be cooler when I'm actually on the field and see him out there, but yeah, he's a great player. He's one of the best. So, that'll be cool to be out there (and) compete against him."
Jones on what stands out about the Steelers defense:
"I think it's just the way they play. I think that's always the thing when you think about the Pittsburgh Steelers, is they're aggressive, fast flowing, downhill defense and how they want to play. Kind of the mindset and the culture that they have there. So, a lot of respect for them and their group. We'll work all week to be ready for it."
Steichen on what is important when going into a road environment like Pittsburgh:
"Communication has got to be at a premium, for sure. I think handling the noise, especially on third down, and making sure we're getting out of the huddle and making sure the calls are correct – if we're checking stuff at the line of scrimmage, making sure we're all over that stuff because it's hard when you go on the road with the noise. You've got to make sure you operate. Obviously, we got to put them through that in practice with crowd noise, and put them in that environment as much as we can. So yeah, the communication has got to be at a premium."
Jones on playing in a hostile environment like Pittsburgh:
"I think we're looking forward to it. Anytime you're going on the road and playing in a big game like this, you prepare for it. Prepare for the communication aspect of it, making sure we're all on the same page. But it'll be a fun environment. We're looking forward to getting out there."
Anarumo on the impact tight ends will have on the game on both sides and why the position presents so many matchup problems:
"Those guys are such big, skilled athletes these days and they just seem to be more and more. I think that the offensive coaches are using them in the right way. Very rarely these days do you see a linebacker matched up on a tight end anymore. There may be a rare case where you got a guy that can do it, but you're going to have to deploy whether it be a corner or safety in some matchups to try to guard these guys.
"And then Pittsburgh in particular, they've got four of them. So, where they've got in their mind some matchup issues – and clearly, they've demonstrated that they can be in a lot of different ways. You flex out No. 80 (Darnell Washington) down there at the goal line and it's either a completion or a penalty, and they know that.
"So, we've got to do good job of trying to figure that part out. But they do a great job. (Offensive coordinator) Arthur (Smith) does a great job of employing those guys at the right time, in the right place, and they do a heck of a job."
Warren on playing in one of the 'blue blood' NFL environments:
"I think it is another week, and you've got to focus on what you do. But it's cool to – when you get there, take it in maybe, see where you're at and stuff like that, but not make it something to where it's going to affect me. So, I think pregame, look around, understand where I am, enjoy it. But then also, we got a job to do so focusing during the week, I think will be the same."
Special Teams Coordinator Brian Mason on Steelers special teams:
"Pittsburgh, traditionally is very good at special teams. Obviously, have a very experienced and very good special teams coordinator. They have very good special teams personnel, probably the best overall special teams personnel that we have faced all year. We've got to keep finding ways to enhance it."
Warren on if he has leaned on tight end Pat Freiermuth at all his rookie year, a fellow Penn State alum:
"I talked to him more in the draft process and preseason stuff. I haven't talked to him too much this year, but we stay in touch. Every now and then we'll check in. But it'll be cool to see him and say what's up."
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