Just when you think you know a team. The Pittsburgh Steelers went into Sunday’s game with an offense doing the heavy lifting in terms of team success, a defense that was getting carved up on a weekly basis, and slim odds of beating the supercharged Indianapolis Colts.

Naturally, the Steelers’ defense went berserk, their offense struggled, and Acrisure Stadium was defended in a 27-20 Pittsburgh victory. Without much to discuss in terms of offensive production this week, let’s take one of our first opportunities of the season to commend the defense on a great game. In honor of hockey season being underway (go Penguins!), here’s three stars from Sunday.

FIRST STAR: KYLE DUGGER

Show up Thursday, practice for two days, play 72 snaps, get a game ball from Coach Tomlin. Light work for the Lenoir-Rhyme product in his first few days in black and yellow. Dugger was brought in last week from New England to mitigate the loss of DeShon Eliott, and with Jabrill Peppers and Chuck Clark both unable to suit up for the Colts game, he was immediately given a heavy workload. Outside of Eliott, safety had been a glaring weakness for the Steelers defense throughout the season. Dugger’s presence brought some stability, keeping a lid on Indy’s passing game in his first outing with the game. As he begins to familiarize himself with the Steelers system, expect Dugger to improve as a solo act and form a dangerous tandem with Eliott upon the latter’s return.

SECOND STAR: PAYTON WILSON

The second-year linebacker from NC State had 14 tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception in a massive solo effort on Sunday. Wilson’s presence in the middle of the defense was a key part of Pittsburgh’s ability to shut down MVP hopeful Johnathan Taylor, holding the league’s most productive rusher to a mere 45 yards on the ground. He also played a huge role in containing Daniel Jones in what was by far his worst game as a Colt. Wilson has been showing improvement week after week, and he has the capability to be a star for this defense sooner rather than later.

THIRD STAR: TERYL AUSTIN

Arguably nobody is more hated in the Steel City at the moment than Teryl Austin. Pittsburgh’s defensive coordinator has been the public’s scapegoat for all of the team’s defensive struggles, especially given how much talent (and money) is on the field. However, if Austin has to wear the blame for the team’s failures, he should get a piece of the credit for the successes as well. Sure, the defense gave up 342 yards through the air, but they also forced six turnovers and held one of the best teams in the AFC to 20 points. Austin’s 4-3 scheme was incredibly effective at stopping a run game that featured Taylor to little success, allowing only 55 ground yards. Before everyone continues the Austin hate train into this week, show him the respect he deserves for a gritty conference win that comes at a crucial juncture in the season.