The Indianapolis Colts do not like Damontae Kazee. The Steelers' reserve safety made a gruesome-looking hit on Colts' receiver Michael Pittman Jr. during a Week 15 matchup last season. Kazee received a suspension from the NFL as a result of the hit and missed the rest of the 2023 season. Now one Colts player will be looking for an opportunity to get even.
Pittman Jr. recently appeared on teammate Zaire Franklin's podcast The Trenches along with Colts linebacker EJ Speed and the three eventually discussed the Kazee hit. Pittman Jr. made it clear, as he has done in the past, that he does not blame Kazee and doesn't hold a grudge against him. However, Speed said he wants revenge.
“I'm gonna agree with you, but I want one,” Speed said. “If he ever on special teams, if I ever catch him lacking.” Since Speed and Kazee are both defensive players, the only realistic way they could encounter each other on the gridiron is on a special teams play.
Pittman Jr. expanded on previous statements about not taking the hit personally.
“I don't take it personal because I don't think he was trying to do all that,” Pittman Jr. said. “And if he was and I find out, then it's different. But I don't think he was.”
That doesn't mean Pittman Jr. will let up against Kazee, or anyone else, anytime soon.
“I'll treat him like any other defensive player. It won't be nice, but I won't put nothing extra on it.”
The Colts will host the Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium for the third consecutive season. Last season's Week 15 defeat was the first time the Steelers have lost to the Colts since 2008.
Previewing expectations for the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers always seem to find success in the regular season. Pittsburgh has won at least eight games in every season under current head coach Mike Tomlin, who has led the team since 2007. The last time the Steelers went under .500 was a 6-10 season in 2003. However, the road ahead will be incredibly tough in 2024.
The Steelers finished the 2023 season with a record of 10-7, finishing third in an incredibly strong AFC North. Pittsburgh earned a playoff berth and lost in the Wild Card Round against the Buffalo Bills 31-17.
The AFC North will be a dog fight in 2024. The Ravens are as scary as they usually are and both the Browns and Bengals will get key players back from injuries. The Steelers will need to pick up at least half of their division games if they want to stay competitive in the division.
One of the most important factors for the Steelers in 2024 could be how quickly the offense gels. The team made a ton of changes on that side of the ball — hiring a new offensive coordinator, completely reworking the QB room, rebuilding the left side of the offensive line, and retooling skill position talent. On paper all of these changes should add up to an improved offense in 2024, but the question is how soon will they find their rhythm. They won't have a lot of time to figure things out.
According to multiple sportsbooks, the Pittsburgh Steelers currently have an over/under win total of between 7.5 and 8.5 wins.
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