Week 4 rolls around and the Pittsburgh Steelers eye their fourth consecutive victory as they head to Indianapolis to face the Colts. After an impressive showing against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Steelers look to repeat as they face a Colts side with plenty of question marks.

The Colts have no lack of star players on offense, but will they be able to perform against such a strong Steelers defense? Quarterback Anthony Richardson has had a less-than-ideal start to the season throwing six interceptions to his three touchdowns. His running back Jonathan Taylor finally broke through in their Week 3 win over the Chicago Bears. Here, Taylor rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns.

There is no question the Colts love the run game, whether it be with Taylor, Richardson using his legs, or anyone else they like to involve. Last year, the Steelers had no answers to the Colts’ run game even with it being their two backups carrying the load with Taylor injured. The Steelers’ pass defense was no better as they allowed backup quarterback Gardner Minshew to throw 215 yards worth along with three touchdowns.

Looking for vengeance, this Steelers defense will need a few key performances to ensure there is no repeat of last season. The black and gold’s 13 points scored last year will also not cut it this time around. With that being said, here are five players to look out for if the Steelers would like to see a different result this time around.

DT Cameron Heyward

Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images

One of the leaders of this exquisite Steelers defense, Cameron Heyward, looks to win a crucial matchup if the Steelers are to win in Week 4. Heyward will likely draw Colts left guard Quenton Nelson for most of the afternoon. Nelson has an impressive resume and is a tenured NFL veteran, like Heyward.

Heyward was able to get to the quarterback and register a sack for the first time in 2024 last week against the Chargers. Heyward also has 11 total tackles to his name in the young season. With his best game of the season coming a week ago, look for Heyward to heat up in a big way as he looks to be a key piece in enacting revenge for last season’s downfall against Indy.

LB Payton Wilson

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

One of the brightest spots of the 2024 NFL Draft class, Payton Wilson, continues to make a name for himself in this league. Along with linebackers Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts, Wilson looks to continue tidying up the middle of the field as the Steelers meet another young quarterback in Richardson.

Thus far this season, Wilson has five total tackles but has not yet gotten to the quarterback. Besides the stats, Wilson has been more than noticeable in positive ways. The speed and toughness that fans loved from his college days have been on full display and should no doubt continue from Indianapolis. Look for Wilson to continue earning more snaps with strong performances being stacked up.

FS Minkah Fitzpatrick

Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images

After battling injuries for most of 2023, Minkah Fitzpatrick is back in 2024. The star free safety has caused the Steelers’ first three opponents nightmares after his thrashing performances to open up his 2024 campaign.

With 16 tackles through three weeks, Minkah has not missed a beat. Regardless of the exact tackle number, Fitzpatrick looks strong and has made numerous big tackles to shatter drives for opponents. With a solid Colts receiving core that includes Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce, Fitzpatrick looks to ruin yet another fanbase’s day Sunday.

RB Cordarrelle Patterson

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

With Jaylen Warren going down to injury, it will be Cordarrelle Patterson gaining more snaps in Week 4. One of the more exciting off-season acquisitions for the Steelers will now get a good chance to prove his worth in this offense as he will backup Najee Harris on Sunday.

Patterson has shown splashes of explosiveness both in the preseason and early on in the 2024 season. Last week against the Chargers, Patterson rushed for 33 yards on just four attempts. With Harris also laboring an injury from last week’s contest, Patterson may see more of the ball than some people think. His performance could be crucial to the outcome if the Steelers look to continue controlling games via the ground attack.

WR Calvin Austin III

Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images

Finally, Calvin Austin III was able to break out in a big way in the Steelers’ victory over Los Angeles. Coming into the Chargers match, Austin had just two catches for 13 yards on the season. The targets came in a big way in Week 3 as Austin brought in four receptions.

More importantly, Austin’s 95 total yards and 55-yard touchdown reception, propelled the Steelers to the promised land. With Van Jefferson not looking all too impressive through the first three weeks, it appears the WR2 spot is Austin’s for the taking. While Roman Wilson will likely make his NFL debut against the Colts, Austin is someone to keep an eye on as more strong performances become something of strong intrigue.

If the players on this list can win their matchups and have strong outings the Steelers should be in good shape to improve to 4-0 in 2024.