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INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts veteran inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson knows all about Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. While Jackson is in his third year with the Colts, he is in his 11th season as a National Football League linebacker. The former Maryland standout spent his first eight years as a member of the Cleveland Browns.
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As such, Jackson's Browns and Roethlisberger's Steelers faced off against each other 11 times as members of the AFC North. Pittsburgh won 10 of those meetings.
Since arriving in Indianapolis in 2014, Jackson is 0-2 against Big Ben and the games haven't been all that close. The Steelers have won by a combined score of 96-44 (45-10 in 2014 and 51-34 last season). Both games were played at Pittsburgh's Heinz Field.
How good has Roethlisberger been against the Colts? He has been smoking hot, completing 64 of 88 passes for 886 yards, 10 TOUCHDOWNS AND no interceptions in the two wins. The Indianapolis defense has not recorded a sack in either game.
While the Colts (5-5) hope that starting quarterback Andrew Luck will be cleared in time to play against the Steelers (5-5) after experiencing concussion symptoms in the aftermath of Sunday's 24-17 win over Tennessee, the Pittsburgh signal-caller appears to be back in form after having knee injury issues a few weeks ago.
"Being around Ben for so long, he plays whether he's healthy or whether he's not. You don't look at that injury report because you know Ben's going to be out there," Jackson is quick to point out.
"Ben's going to give you everything he has. Ben has always found a way to overcome any injuries he may be going through."
The Colts know that Roethlisberger, along with wide receiver Antonio Brown and running back Le'Veon Bell, are the foundation of a pretty potent Steelers offensive attack.
"I can't fall into that trap (of Roethlsiberger still nursing his injury). Ben plays exceptionally well in big games with him and Antonio Brown. They're playing extremely good football right now and we have to make sure we know where those guys are," Jackson said.
"Antonio, we have to know where he is because they do a lot of different fronts with him. Ben, he is a savvy vet. He's done it his entire career and he strives when he's injured. He plays his best ball."
Indianapolis head coach Chuck Pagano is aware of the challenges that Pittsburgh presents, both offensively and defensively.
"We've got our hands full, facing a Hall of Fame quarterback, a great receiver and running back, an offensive line that is well built and physical. We can't let the ball get over our heads," Pagano admitted.
Brown has had a field day against Indianapolis the last two seasons, hauling in a combined 18 passes from Roethlisberger for 251 yards and four touchdowns.
The Steelers defense presents its own set of problems.
"Pittsburgh's defense is hard to run against," the Colts coach said. "If you get behind early, you are asking for trouble. They do a great job of coming after the quarterback."
The fact that both teams will be playing after a short week of practice wouldn't seem to favor Indianapolis or Pittsburgh.
"The Pittsburgh Steelers, they're going through exactly what we're going through," Jackson said. "So there's no time to sit up here and, say, 'Hey, what if this, what if that?' This is the challenge that presents itself.
"This is a very important game for us. AFC opponent, Thursday night game. You wouldn't want any better challenge than this right here."
