Kansas City Chiefs

Can Chiefs secondary have repeat performance?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) talks to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) after their game at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs pass defense absolutely made the New York Jets looks silly on Sunday, but can this group repeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Six interceptions in one game. Some teams have trouble getting six picks all season, but the Kansas City Chiefs accomplished this in one single game. The New York Jets came into Arrowhead and were straight out played, especially on defense.

Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is normally a careful quarterback, kept throwing picks left and right; including a pick-six from Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson. Reigning defensive rookie of the year Marcus Peters racked up two more picks during this game, bringing his total to 4 on the year. KC’s defense also forced two fumbles, and one of which was returned by tight end Demetrius Harris for six.

This week the 2-1 Kansas City Chiefs head to Pittsburgh to face Big Ben Roethlisberger and Steelers. Pittsburgh is coming off a thrashing at the hands of former Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson’s Philadelphia Eagles, losing the game 34-3.

But despite the big loss by the team, the league’s best wide receiver Antonio Brown still managed to gain 140 yards through the air. Big Ben also put up OK numbers, but not his usual self, completing 54 percent of his passes for 257 yards with one interception. Running back DeAngelo Williams had awful numbers on the ground rushing for 21 yards, and only collecting 23 yards receiving as well.

Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Besides the bad game they played last week, the Steelers are not slouches when it comes to their team. The rank right in the top 20 of teams in terms of offensive stats, and are fourth when it comes to their rushing defense; an area in which the Chiefs tend to thrive. Perhaps the worst part of their defense comes in their pass defense in which they allow 332 yards per game, sitting at 31st overall in the NFL.

So with all the numbers in mind, when it comes to the battle between two 2-1 teams, will the Chiefs pass defense be able to do the same to Pittsburgh?

That might be a little tough. Yes, Ryan Fitzpatrick is no Big Ben, but he is still a usually protective quarterback. Fitz also did not have one of the best wide receivers in the game on his team like Ben does with Brown. However, despite the obvious difference with the Jets and the Steelers it is feasible that the pass defense of KC can be a hassle for Pittsburgh.

Cornerback Marcus Peters will be tested early and often especially when he is required to cover Brown. The team saw what happened when another good QB, Philip Rivers, went to his big target Keenan Allen. Peters was flustered out of position and was getting beat. He has gotten better over the last few games, 4 picks in two games is pretty decent.

While another six-interception game is more than likely out of the picture, it is not unreasonable to think that they can still have a dominate performance. Ben does take risks and those risks can turn into much needed turnovers. The Steelers are a good team especially at home. The game could very well turn into a defensive battle as both offense can stall if given a lot of pressure from the opposite team.

The game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers will be a good test for both teams that look to the postseason. The pass defense of the Chiefs are slowly finding their own and the Steelers will be a good test. However the offensive power of the Steelers will prove to be just a tad bit too much and the Chiefs walk out with their second loss of the season.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 28, Kansas City 21

What say you, Addicts? Do you think the defense of the Chiefs can repeat the success of last week? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Thanks for reading.

GO CHIEFS!!!!