Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 things we learned in loss to Chiefs

By Zack Goncz | Sep 17, 2018

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with Jesse James #81 after a 2 yard touchdown reception in the second quarter during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Heinz Field on September 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 09: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with Jon Bostic #51 after sacking Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Shazier’s Absence is a Big Problem

So the best player on the Steelers defense is going to be out indefinitely. The Steelers knew this, and yet, almost predictably, they did essentially nothing to resolve this situation. The response was to adapt the defense to lean far more heavily on the secondary.

Obviously, it’s still early days with this defense but 42 points is bad by any standard. There are some occasional bright spots, but it can be struggle to find it. This isn’t the worst defensive performance ever. But there were bad matchups, missed tackles, and no pressure. The defense needs an identity and a leader.

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