Pittsburgh Steelers keys to a win: What it’ll take to get through Kansas City
Defenses
The Chiefs defense got wore out by Rivers and the Chargers especially their secondary even though they won the game. However, D.C. Bob Sutton is adept at play calling and his players are great at read and react.
Dee Ford is a monster, Anthony Hitchens is a good cover linebacker and big Chris Jones is a human bulldozer in the middle. The defense as a whole kept Rivers guessing most of last weeks game with system disguises that thwarted a very good offense.
The Steelers realize that he will sell out to stop the run forcing Big Ben to pass hoping for mistakes. The Chiefs are expecting him to put interceptions in play that can be game changers. They will pressure him with multiple blitz packages and inside rushes to make him unsettled in the pocket.
The Chiefs are hoping the pass blocking shows some of the cracks they seen in last weeks game due to the constant pressure to cause mistakes within the passing game. They have a good defense and not the same level of talent overall as the Steelers, but the defensive coordinator is the anchor.
Keith Butler has really put together a very fast, physical and hungry defense with a good mix of veterans/young players. The defensive front seven will be the key to helping get the win with Heyward and Tuitt leading the way.
Mahomes is a very gifted QB as well as mobile with the ability to throw on the run. Gap integrity will be important from the front line, while the second line of defense, the linebackers, will be tasked with slowing down the running game and providing the additional pass rush.
Inside backers will have a difficult time with backs out of the backfield and keeping those big offensive lineman off of them. Vince Williams and Jon Bostic have to shut down that middle and also use their abilities to go sideline to sideline. They cant get caught up in the “wash” and get hung out to dry.
T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree believe it or not, will have to play a better game then last week where they started to make names for themselves on a national level. They have skills and they will be needed against those slippery little players of the Chiefs that are great out in space.
Hill’s speed obviously has to be respected and getting proper depth safeties (Sean Davis) will be crucial in preventing them from getting bombed out by Mahomes strong arm. They are definitely throwing deep, often, and the corners have got to bring their “A” game to stop scorch earth.
Butler will use a lot of seven package secondary sets to try to stop the big plays from happening as well as support the run. But it all comes down to “box play” and who controls it. The Steelers front seven and overall schemes I believe will confuse Mahomes most of the game. He has never seen the types of blitz packages that the Steelers can put on a new QB and Butler will be smacking him hard.
Advantage: Steelers
Special Teams
Tyreek Hill – Advantage: Chiefs.