Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs must start fast at Steelers

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

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Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry (29) against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Chiefs 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs head to Pittsburgh for a prime time match-up that could have very large playoff implications come January.

While Kansas City hasn’t been a consistent team this season they are 2-1 and have a chance to have a winning quarter. The Chiefs will need contributions from both their offense and defense on Sunday if they want to head home with a victory.

Defense Must Be Stout

It started when the Chiefs defense made a stand at the end of the San Diego game. Since then, they have only allowed one TD in the last 10 quarters of football. If the passing defense can continue to make plays on the ball it will go a long way to giving the Chiefs a chance to win the game.

The rushing defense has improved each week but will face a big test on Sunday. Le’veon Bell will return to action for the Steelers. Bell is a more talented back than any the Chiefs have played to this point.

Kansas City has to find a way to shut the running game down. They must also stay disciplined in their pass rush lanes to contain Big Ben. If Kansas City doesn’t have Gaines it means that DJ White will see considerable time as the third corner. While White has played well to this point he is a rookie. The Chiefs will need to give him help as he will be someone who the Steelers try to go after early and often.

Sep 11, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) is congratulated by offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz (71) and wide receiver Albert Wilson (12) after scoring the winning touchdown in overtime against the San Diego Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 33-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs Offense Must Take Shots

The Chiefs offense has to be more consistent at moving the ball. They have to get out of their own way and not commit stupid penalties. They should get a big boost on the offensive line assuming that Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is able to play.. With LDT back, the Chiefs should be much stronger at the point of attack and Smith should have more time in the pocket.

The biggest addition to the Chiefs on Sunday night could come from Jamaal Charles. Charles is on the injury report as questionable but it has been reported that he will play. If he plays, expect him to be used more sparingly than usual. He needs to get back into game shape and take a couple of hits.. I was hoping for Charles to wait a couple more weeks but if he is ready to go he should be a great addition to the offense.

With Charles in the fold the Chiefs attack could become much more potent. Kansas City can already attack the entire field on offense.

Having Charles able to open up things underneath more in both the run game and the passing game should help the deep passing game as well. The Steelers will have to account for Jamaal and keep him contained. Hill has the speed to make the Steelers pay over the top. Smith has already shown he will give him a chance but he has to make a better throw.

Andy Reid needs to come out on Sunday and look to dominate the game from the start. Alex Smith has to throw down the field and get a depleted Steelers defense on their heels. Reid needs to get Maclin going early in the game as well to get him out of his funk.

If KC can get Maclin going on the outside it will help open up the middle of the field. It will create room for Kelce and the TE’s across the middle. The TE’s and RB’s should have a field day against the Steelers. When they adjust to shut it down the middle of the field, Smith must air it out.

What do you think, Addicts?