Our panel of writers came together to preview this week’s Colts game, by each finding a single battle they felt would be the “key to the game” for the Steelers to emerge victorious.

We often agree to disagree: so let’s see what our panel came up with for the short turnaround time against Indianapolis.

Brian

My key is red zone efficiency. The team that performs best in the red zone will win.

Colts are second in the league overall, and are great at home.

Our D is first in preventing scores so that’s a good battle.

We are 10th offensively and Colts are middle of the pack.

If we have a day like in Cleveland and go 1-4, we may have trouble.

Terry

The Colts o-line is almost as bad as Cleveland’s, so that’s where we start. Attack mode all the way on whomever plays at QB.

If it’s Luck, that’s easier said than done, since he is also a mobile QB, but he gets killed when he stays in the pocket.

Tolzien is not as athletic.

Find that pass rush, be disciplined, get James, Tuitt and hopefully Dupree in there, and we should have another historic sack day.

We also are not going to win this game with field goals. Settling for 3 points should be the last resort.

Let’s come out strong.

Weather is a not factor since this will be a dome game. So no excuses for kickers!

Lastly, ball security from Bell. He never fumbles, but has the last 2 games, and luckily they went out of bounds. Hopefully he is aware of this, and protects that ball with the double digit touches he is getting.

Joe

Honestly, this game is the defense’s to win again.

If Luck is on the shelf with a concussion, that means a lesser experienced quarterback (Scott Tolzien) is left behind a leaky Colts offensive line that has given up 35 sacks this season.

They’ve had trouble running the football, and if we can lock down the few threats they have (T.Y. Hilton) I could see another big game for this defense.

Ryan Shazier was downright scary against the Browns, and Sean Davis is every bit as versatile: neither left the field in Cleveland, which means Keith Butler may have finally helped this unit find it’s identity.

Zac

Scott Tolzien versus the Steelers secondary. Who will rise to the occasion?

Tolzien filled in honorably for Aaron Rodgers before and he is going into a similar situation filling in for another great QB tomorrow night… however he hasn’t played a down all season.

I expect there to be plenty of rust on Tolzien; and a couple of questionable passes to go along with that. The timing won’t be the same for he and his receivers, (TY, Moncrief, etc..) as it was with Luck, so expect a couple of misfires.

The question is, can a Steeler DB get his hands on one or two of those passes?

If Tolzien turns it over more than once, Indy is in big trouble.

Maybe Artie Burns sets a new rookie Steelers record?