5 Takeaways From Indianapolis Colts’ Week 8 Loss

A matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers normally makes the opposing team's defensive line and linebackers salivate. This is because Ben Roethlisberger tends to hold on the ball too long and this often leads to more sacks. However, when the opposing team is missing their All-Pro pass rusher, then it becomes difficult to apply effective pressure. The fact the Colts produced zero sacks today proves how much they miss Robert Mathis.

Coming into this contest, the Colts had the highest pass coverage grade, according to Pro Football Focus. However, this was mostly due to the elite play of CB Vontae Davis, who has been one of the best CBs in the entire league this season. When he had to leave today's game with a knee injury, it immediately exposed the Indianapolis secondary as a below average one. Big Ben putting up over 500 yards and six TDs on them is the clear proof.

There was some concern when the reports of Reggie Wayne missing a couple of weeks due to an elbow injury surfaced. It seemed as if Andrew Luck would be missing his safety valve within the passing game. However, the Colts were clearly prepared for this possibility as they rolled out rookie WR Donte Moncrief today and he finished with seven catches, 113 yards and a touchdown. The former Ole Miss Rebel looks to be a perfectly capable replacement.

It's understandable that the Colts don't want to overuse Ahmad Bradshaw due to injury concerns, but he is clearly the only effective RB they have. With Trent Richardson sitting out today, Bradshaw rushed for 35 yards and a touchdown while averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Additionally, he caught seven passes for 52 yards. Bradshaw proved what he could do with the New York Giants and it's time for the Colts to feature him more over T-Rich.

In his young career, Andrew Luck has already orchestrated 11 game-winning drives. He was even able to lead the Colts to within eight points of the Steelers today, but Indianapolis can't always rely on Luck bailing them out. The Colts' defense will have to help him out a bit more by not allowing 35 points before it's halftime. He made a valiant effort with 400 yards passing and three TDs, but it wasn't enough. Other Colts need to step up.