All eyes were on Pittsburgh following last week’s humiliating defeat. In their Sunday night win, the Steelers not only redeemed themselves, but formally made their Super Bowl statement.
Redemption Sunday. That was the title applied to the Steelers’ week four contest against the Kansas City Chiefs, offered by none other than Mike Tomlin himself.
The spotlight shined brightly on the Steelers heading into Sunday night. How would the team respond after last week’s Massacre at Philadelphia? How would Le’Veon Bell do in his return from suspension? Is this team really as good as we think?
Those questions, and a few more, were answered. Emphatically.
Ben Roethlisberger tallied four touchdown passes by halftime. After a near auto-pilot second half, Ben finished the night 22/27 for 300 yards and five scores.
Antonio Brown’s first two receptions went for six. Darrius Heyward-Bey and Markus Wheaton’s only receptions went for six. Jesse James reeled a touchdown in at the goal line. Sammie Coates, despite not scoring, demonstrated his ability as a burner once again.
1v1 with @AntonioBrown?
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) October 3, 2016
Well, we know how that's gonna turn out... 👀
2 TDs in the FIRST Quarter. WOW. #KCvsPIT https://t.co/WeHPYUoxW1
Le’Veon Bell didn’t reach the end zone, but he came as close as possible. He carried eighteen times for 144 yards, adding five catches for 34.
This stat from Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman: in his first 32 snaps, Bell lined up as a running back, slot receiver, and outside receiver. He even took a snap at tight end. That’s versatility, and it’s why Bell is the NFL’s most complete running back.
But wait, there’s more!
The Steelers defense played their most complete game of the season. After notching just one sack in the first three weeks, the defense took down Alex Smith four times. Cam Heyward, furious after last week’s defeat, tallied three on his own.
Sunday night-wonder Jarvis Jones intercepted a pass that Heyward got a hand on. Stephon Tuitt forced an early fumble that swung all momentum in Pittsburgh’s favor. In place of Ryan Shazier, Vince Williams steamrolled his way to 15 tackles and a sack.
In short: the Steelers defense operated at peak capacity. This defense has its flaws, but when turnovers are being forced and quarterbacks are under siege, they are undoubtedly a problem.
Sunday night represented a reversal of roles. This week’s Chiefs played like last week’s Steelers. The clock officially expired just before midnight, but the Steelers had this game in the bag midway through the second quarter.
The Steelers dominance wasn’t just redemption for the Eagles loss. It was an official notice to the rest of the NFL.
Playing at this level, the Steelers can settle for nothing less than Super Bowl LI.
Pittsburgh nearly toppled the Broncos in the Divisional round a year ago with a hampered roster. The Patriots still represent the Steelers’ biggest fear, though, as the Pats have owned the past few meetings. A Pittsburgh-New England playoff matchup likely will be the bridge the Steelers have to cross to once again play on the grandest stage of them all.
Next: Steelers vs. Chiefs: An In-Depth Recap
No matter the route taken, the Steelers obviously have the talent to return to the Super Bowl. Injuries be damned.
The biggest opponent the Steelers face going forward? Themselves.