Going into Sunday’s matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, people expected the Pittsburgh Steelers to have a rough go of it. The Colts were 7-1 and had one of the best offenses in the league. And the Steelers’ defense? Well, it had allowed 30+ points in back-to-back losses.

But the Steelers stood tall against the Colts. They forced six turnovers and held the Colts to only 20 points. That is tied for the fewest points the Colts have scored this season. And Steelers LB Payton Wilson was at the heart of it.

“I thought the player of the game was Payton Wilson,” Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo said Sunday after the game, per video from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s YouTube channel. “Payton Wilson, 13 tackles, a pick, and he had a pass breakup that led to the Jack Sawyer pick. So, we’ve seen him be an impactful player in other games. I think back to the Cincinnati game last year, to the Ravens game where he saved it with that interception. Thought this was his most complete game, probably the best game of his career.”

Payton Wilson led the way in terms of total tackles (14) in the game. And as Fittipaldo pointed out, Wilson was everywhere on Sunday. The funny thing is his interception actually wasn’t that hard of a play. It looked more like Colts QB Daniel Jones just didn’t see Wilson. But Wilson secured the pick and then took off like a running back to get the ball inside the red zone before being tackled.

 

PICKED OFF BY @payton_wilson21‼️

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— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 2, 2025

Wilson’s pass breakup that led to rookie OLB Jack Sawyer’s first NFL interception was a more impressive play. Wilson came off the edge to the offense’s left side and saw Jones attempt the quick throw. He immediately elevated (quite impressive vertical) and looked like a blocker at the net in volleyball. He swatted the ball, and it went right to Sawyer, who corralled it.

 

TIP DRILL ‼️

📺 #INDvsPIT on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/git05TCrRL

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 2, 2025

Payton Wilson showed an ability before Sunday to make game-changing plays. Fittipaldo referenced the incredible interception against the Baltimore Ravens, where he just ripped the ball away from the receiver. He also had the chase-down tackle against the Minnesota Vikings that prevented them from a quick score late in the game and helped secure the victory.

But Sunday against the Colts was a new level. And it was in a huge spot. The Steelers’ defense was reeling after two straight losses. And the Steelers were on the verge of falling to 4-4 with the Ravens then only a game back in the division. This was as close to a must-win game in the first weekend of November as could be. Plus, the Colts were playing fantastic football. They had scored 30+ points in four straight games.

Yet Payton Wilson helped the Steelers absolutely shut down the Colts’ offense for the majority of the game. RB Jonathan Taylor was a non-factor with 14 carries for only 45 yards. Hopefully for the Steelers, this game is the catalyst for the defensive turnaround they desperately need. And you can point to Payton Wilson as a huge part of it.