Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs vs Steelers Week 4: Highlights, score and recap

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

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Le’Veon Bell and Jamaal Charles returning to action has added an extra level of anticipation to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4.

Charles is expected to be back, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, despite being listed as “questionable” during the week. His return will be one more worry for a Steelers defense with plenty of room for improvement after last week’s blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

What should really worry coordinator Kevin Butler is how his unit was dissected by an offense identical to the one run by Kansas City. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid calls a scheme based on quick reads, even quicker throws and maximizing yards after the catch.

The Steelers couldn’t stop those concepts against the Eagles, and they’ve already lost one key figure in inside linebacker Ryan Shazier. His speed and range would have been major assets against a team that loves to throw to running backs and tight ends.

Speaking of throwing to the backs, Bell’s return gives the Steelers arguably the best backfield pass-catcher in the NFL. Getting Bell heavily involved in the passing game is a priority for Pittsburgh OC Todd Haley, according to the league’s official site:

Haley has split Bell out wide and he’s motioned him out of the backfield. Bell’s excellent in space — and a covetable mismatch: He can juke a bigger linebacker and he can bully a smaller defensive back. And he’s still strong enough to run over either.

Bell’s best bet to torment a tough Chiefs defense will be as a receiver. The KC D’ has been very good denying touchdowns on the ground. BJ Kissel of the team’s official site detailed just how good:

Since 2013, the #Chiefs defense has only allowed 22 rushing TDs-fewest in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/3HyfgvMFaR

— BJ Kissel (@ChiefsReporter) October 1, 2016

The Steelers can have some joy through the air, provided they can protect quarterback Ben Roethlisberger better than they did in Philly.

Highlights

Highlights will be added as and when they happen.

Three Stars

These are predictions for who will dominate this game.

1. Antonio Brown

Picking Antonio Brown as a potential star may seem dubious, despite his status as arguably the league’s best wide receiver. Yet, Brown will likely be matched up with Marcus Peters, who is emerging as a true shutdown cornerback in just his second season.

Peters’ lengthy frame, aggression and ball skills make him a nightmare for wideouts. But as good as he’s been, Peters has still been burned at time this season. For instance, DeAndre Hopkins of the Houston Texans beat Peters for a long touchdown, as part of a seven-catch 113-yard effort in Week 2. Those numbers came mostly against Peters.

Kansas City’s stud young cover man impressed against the New York Jets last week, but that was against Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, two receivers weak against press coverage despite their size.

Yet, Peters won’t be able to match size-for-size and lock up Brown. The latter is one of the most slippery receivers in football. Haley will also move his premier pass-catcher around to keep him away from No. 22.

2. Stephon Tuitt

You could pick any member of the Steelers D-line as a potential star. But tackle Stephon Tuitt makes sense as a third-year player getting better each week.

Tuitt should relish going against a Chiefs O-line frequently victimized along the interior this season. Kansas City have let several defensive tackles get to quarterback Alex Smith.

Brandon Mebane and Caraun Reid both sacked him for the San Diego Chargers in Week 1. J.J. Watt had 1.5 sacks in Week 2. Last week, Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams split a sack for the Jets.

Quick inside pressure is vital for disrupting Kansas City’s short, slant-heavy passing game. Tuitt can be the destructive force the Steelers need this week.

3. Tamba Hali

Tuitt won’t be the only pass-rusher to put up big numbers, though. Outside linebacker Tamba Hali has enjoyed his recent meetings against the Steelers. He was in on two sacks in a win over Pittsburgh last season, per Pro Football Reference.

Hali has missed practice most of the week, trying to stay fresh amid a lingering knee problem. But he’s been delivering on game days, creating a ton pressure against the Jets.

If he plays, Hali will make it a miserable night for struggling left tackle Alejandro Villanueva. He couldn’t cope against the Eagles last week, and could be in for a torrid time against Hali and a loaded Chiefs front seven.

Next Week

The Chiefs will head into a bye week, while the Steelers play host to the New York Jets in Week 5.