After a horrible showing in Philadelphia the Steelers look to rebound.
After the horrible showing by Pittsburgh last Sunday, the entire team needs to get back on track. The Steelers were completely out-classed by the Eagles on both sides of the ball. The team suffered a significant number of injuries. Very importantly, veteran Guard Ramon Foster looks to be out for the game, which is a big blow to the offensive line. Hopefully the week of preparation without Foster and the return of Le’Veon Bell is enough to get the offense rolling again as it was in Week 1 and 2.
There is talk that Bell will be used as a receiver often, seeing as though Eli Rogers will most likely be out. If protecting Ben Roethlisberger is a concern, then it may be a good idea to come up with a game plan which features quick passes and more of a ‘dink and dunk’ type approach.
MUST STARTS: Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, Spencer Ware
Despite the Chiefs having the 8th ranked defense against the run, they are still giving up points to opposing runningbacks. Bell rushed for about 120 yards last year against the Chiefs with Roethlisberger out of the game. His versatility and use in the passing game makes him a great option this week. Also, Brown had 16 catches last week. Eli Rogers left the game early and Ben went to his go-to receiver all day while struggling. Brown’s targets shouldn’t diminish this week.
The Steelers, like the Chiefs, are not giving up that many yards against the run overall, but backs have been able to make ground, catch out of the backfield and get into the end zone. With Charles possible to return from injury for the first time this season and Charcandrick West out, Ware stands to have a lot of touches.
MIGHT STARTS: Travis Kelce, Jeremy Maclin, Sammie Coates
The Steelers will be missing personnel from an already questionable unit. Both Kelce and Maclin should be able to get open. The hope is this does not happen too often, but it is a good thing that Quarterback Alex Smith does not get the ball out deep too often.
Coates has caught some long balls from Ben so far this season, there’s a good chance he breaks one this week for a long touchdown.
MISSES: Both DST
I wouldn’t be comfortable starting either of these team defenses. The Chiefs are a good squad, but the Steelers should look to put up points in a rebound game from last week.
Next: Steelers vs. Chiefs: Coordinators Comments
Let’s hope the team makes the adjustments needed to get back to winning.