Kansas City Chiefs: Scouting How Beat The Pittsburgh Steelers In Week 2
The Kansas City Chiefs have struggled to top the Pittsburgh Steelers the last few seasons. Here are my five ways of getting a victory on Sunday.
Looking at another big implications game for the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2, it will be a hard game to win as the team travels to Pittsburgh. It’s not only been hard for Kansas City to beat the Steelers over the last couple of seasons but doing it in Pittsburgh hasn’t been done since 1986. Getting a victory in Week 2 would change how many people view the Chiefs going forward.
Over the last couple of seasons, the games against Pittsburgh have been frustrating. It’s not that the Steelers are this dominant talent that is too much for Kansas City. The issue has been the Chiefs’ ability to produce when it comes to the Steelers.
In the last two matchups between the two teams, Kansas City only needed to score 20 points to force a victory. The offense has struggled against a Pittsburgh defense that’s scheme is solely based on tight zone coverages underneath forcing offenses to beat them over the top. They also bring the pressure leading the league in sacks last season.
Kansas City cannot afford to make some of the mistakes they did in Week 1. While the first game of the regular season is much like a fifth preseason game considering the sloppy play from players who haven’t played a full game yet, the Chiefs will have to be more disciplined facing the Steelers this weekend. Here are my five ways the Chiefs can beat the Steelers.
Patrick Mahomes beating the Steelers defensive scheme
With Alex Smith as the quarterback over the last five seasons, the Chiefs played right into the strengths of Pittsburgh’s defense. Their tight zone coverage in shallow routes plays right into Smith’s weaknesses. While Smith had a better season last year throwing the ball down the field, he still is not the quarterback to throw the ball into tight windows very often or challenge over the top more than a time or two a game.
Pittsburgh’s defense derailed Kansas City last season forcing Smith into a shell. Starting out the 2017 season looking unstoppable on offense, facing the Steelers turned all of that around. To beat the Steelers, quarterbacks have to play aggressively. Their defense is perfect for going against conservative quarterbacks like Alex Smith and company, but going against quarterbacks willing to stretch the field has been what they struggle to contain.
Patrick Mahomes has a lot riding on his shoulders going into this game. As the team that Smith was unable to beat, aside from one game where the Steelers were without Big Ben, he will quickly have to prove himself. Fortunately, Mahomes’ style of quarterback play is just what Kansas City needs to pull this win off.
Being able to stretch the field and beat the Steelers over the top with their unlimited weapons on offense is critical. Pittsburgh’s secondary is not one to scare, and I can’t see them sticking with the likes of Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Sammy Watkins for the entire game. Mahomes is also more willing to make that tight window throw that Smith refused to make.
The Detroit Lions were unable to come out with a victory last season, but Matthew Stafford threw the ball for 411 yards against the Steelers defense. Stafford is known as one of the more aggressive quarterbacks willing to take shots. If Mahomes is given time to make some throws on Sunday and stays calm without mistakes, it could be a massive showing for the first year starter.