First and foremost, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to stop the run against the Kansas City Chiefs. Spencer Ware has done a fine job replacing Jamaal Charles this season, averaging 4.3 yards per carry and totaling 921 rushing yards. The Steelers will need to load the defensive box in order to stop the run, using linebackers as extra down linemen. James Harrison and Bud Dupree have played in down stances a lot this season, and they’ll likely be doing it some more against the Chiefs. Making quarterback Alex Smith beat the defense with his arm should be the prime objective, but the Steelers will need to be aware of play-action and avoid getting beat deep. Tyreek Hill has excelled this year in the short-passing game as well as with deep throws. On the season, Hill has 593 receiving yards and six touchdowns with an average of almost ten yards per reception.

Pittsburgh Steelers Linebackers are Key to Stopping the Kansas City Chiefs

Stopping the run and being disciplined on play-action passes will lead to mistakes being made by Smith. On the season, Smith has 3,502 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a quarterback rating of 85.3. When comparing all starting NFL quarterbacks from last season, Smith came in last when looking at how often quarterbacks completed passes across the first down marker on third down. In fact, on average, Smith’s third down passes came up 3.6 yards short according to ProFootballFocus. The next closest to Smith was Sam Bradford, who averaged coming up short of the line-to-gain by half of a yard. The Steelers should look to focus on the run and sit back in zone coverage. Forcing Smith into as many third downs as possible will be a key factor in defeating the Chiefs.

What Worked the First Time?

In their first match-up with the Chiefs, turnovers were a huge factor for the Steelers. Short field position helped the offense put up early points and get out to a nice lead in the first quarter. On top of turnovers, stopping Ware and sitting back in zone coverage helped keep the Chiefs offense at bay. The Chiefs were held to 87 rushing yards on 18 carries. Also, numerous dropped passes by the Chiefs helped the Steelers defense stop them. The formula should remain the same in the second match-up. The Steelers should stop the run, drop back into zone coverage and try to force turnovers. Here is a video recap of the first game.

Defending the Pass

The Chiefs like to use a lot of short passes, meaning that Ryan Shazier and Lawrence Timmons should be in zone coverage a lot. Don’t expect as many blitzes as the Steelers linebackers have been running, since Smith will be looking to get rid of the ball quickly. The Steelers will need to be in lockdown coverage, forcing Smith to hold onto the football as long as possible. The linebackers will also need to key on tight end Travis Kelce. Kelce is an expert at block and release routes, meaning that he begins the play like he is blocking, but then releases the block and goes out for a pass. Expect Shazier to cover Kelce a lot, perhaps even in a spy role. The pass rush will mainly depend on Stephon Tuitt and rookie Javon Hargrave since the linebackers won’t be blitzing much.

As it’s been all season, the team that is able to run the ball successfully and also stop the opposing team’s running game, will likely get the win (Pittsburgh Steelers Postseason Success Depends on Run Defense). Don’t expect many sacks, but look for some key turnovers when Smith starts forcing throws. Keeping the Chiefs offense off of the field is crucial. The Steelers linebackers and the rest of the defense can’t allow the Chiefs to chew up the clock.

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