As the Steelers wrap up their three-game stretch of NFL scheduling catastrophe, the Chiefs come to Pittsburgh for Christmas. They will not be spending the days with their families, but they will instead be looking towards their football brothers in hopes of winning a football game. It is strictly business for both sides as their fan bases will rely on their favorite teams to boost their moods in the jolliest time of the year.
Fans will be feasting while the players will be slugging it out on the field. The Steelers have the pleasure of playing host to this potential future playoff matchup. It won't be easy for either side, even though Kansas City is shooting for the third straight Super Bowl victory. The daunting task of the defending champs could be the perfect casting as the Grinch if Mike Tomlin's team is ill-prepared.
Those who cheer on the Steelers know the team is no stranger to playing around Christmastime. In their history, they have played on both Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. They have been fairly successful when Santa comes to town, so they will hope that keeps going here. They hold a record of 5-4 on Christmas Eve, while they have an undefeated standing of 2-0 on the actual holiday.
Basic plan for Steelers to beat up Chiefs in their Christmas showdown
It might seem nearly impossible to defeat an empire, but the Steelers will be up to the task. They have everything they need on defense to give themselves an opportunity. They have struggled against top quarterbacks in the past, and it will be no easy task against an Andy Reid-led offense. They will need to find creative ways to slow down his offense and keep the ball rolling on the other side.
When it comes to Pittsburgh's offense, they will need to find consistent success on the ground. They will need to have their best game of the season and score touchdowns on most drives. If they can have long drives down the field, kill off the clock, and play clean effective football then they'll have a shot. Scoring quickly against Kansas City will only give them a better chance to get back into the game.
As far as the defense goes, the Steelers have to play smart football. They can't give up yardage with penalties. The Chiefs are going to try and find free plays through flags, and normally the refs side with them. They have to find alternate ways to cover things up and remain consistent with their pressures, even if it is only four guys going after the quarterback.
Kansas City has not been elite on offense this year, but their defense has been stellar. If Pittsburgh can get the run game going and extend long drives with success in the red zone, then they have a perfect set up for victory. Getting the Chiefs behind the eight-ball could force Kansas City into bad situations that could cause a turnover or two going in the Steeler's favor to cap off Christmas joy.