Kansas City Chiefs: How Do Chiefs Fair Among AFC Contenders

Pittsburgh Steelers

Kansas City finally beat their longtime monkey on the back Pittsburgh Steelers. The offense was utterly dominant as it needed to be to win a shootout against Ben Roethlisberger. With a tough start to the season, and some tough games ahead, we might be seeing some decline from the Steelers.

There’s also the drama that has surrounded the franchise so far this season. Running back LeVeon Bell has yet to sign his franchise tender, and even teammates are making their thoughts known on the situation. On Sunday against the Chiefs, Antonio Brown was seen on the sideline arguing with his offensive coordinator. He was also on Twitter arguing with fans following the game.

After that post on Twitter, AB did not show up to practice on Monday. It would seem they have more drama than they can handle. Mike Tomlin, Steelers head coach, might have a locker room issue on his hands, and with Tampa Bay as their next opponent, things aren’t looking good for Pittsburgh. I asked about all of this with Donnie Druin who joined us last week for our “Behind Enemy Lines” series against the Steelers.

Pittsburgh has had a rough start to the season, and it doesn’t look like it will get any easier playing Tampa Bay in Week 3. Is this the start of a decline for Pittsburgh?

DD: I’m holding off on the decline talk, as we’re only two weeks into the season. Pittsburgh was a 42-yard field goal and a defensive stop away from being 2-0 this season, so all control isn’t completely lost. I will say, however, this doesn’t look like the team of previous years that would find a way to win these close games. It’s a long season, and I have faith in Mike Tomlin to right the ship, but the current forecast isn’t sunny at all heading into a red-hot Tampa Bay team.

All of the off the field antics are starting to come around. Bell and now AB, is the drama getting in the way of the team?

DD: Drama has always been a part of this team. It comes with the personalities of the guys on this team, for better or worse. I won’t say it’s getting in the way, simply because the performances on the field have not been a cause of the drama. However, it doesn’t help that your best player is mouthing-off to coordinators in a moment where his leadership is tested. The drama is undeniable and certainly isn’t needed throughout the week.

What needs to change for Pittsburgh to make a comeback this season?

DD: Where do we start? Let’s start with making changes on defense. Defensive Coordinator Keith Butler is on the hot seat following another dismal performance, as his play-calling and personnel packaging hasn’t been up to par. Butler needs to do better, as simple as that. This defense is too talented to be wasted. Offensively, let’s get our guys on the same page. We’re heading into week three, there should be very little miscommunication within the offense. For the team as a whole, I believe an attitude adjustment is needed (and hopefully was received after the loss in Kansas City). No longer can this team walk around thinking they’re the worst kids on the block because they’re not.

How do you feel about the Steelers in their division?

DD: I still feel fairly confident within the division. As I alluded to, there are still 14 football games to be played. I do think this team, from offense to defense, possesses the most talent in the AFC North, which is always cause for hope. I don’t think the Bengals are what they appear to be, Baltimore is still figuring things out, and the Browns just can’t find a way to win a football game. The Steelers still have 5/6 division games left to play, so hopefully, the team is able to improve by the time those games come around.

Has Mike Tomlin lost control of the locker room?

DD: I’ve always been the first to bat for Mike Tomlin. I just don’t think he deserves a lot of the hate he receives. Many Steelers fans take great pride in being from Pittsburgh and watching tough coaches like Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher guide teams to Super Bowls. People in Pittsburgh simply don’t think Tomlin has control over his locker room. While I do think Tomlin is respected by his peers, it sure doesn’t feel like Tomlin has a full grip on this team. You can point to the Antonio Brown drama, sideline issues during the game or even on the field. It doesn’t feel like Tomlin can run a strict regime purely because that’s not who he is. We’ll see what happens with the recent antics, but Tomlin is just not hard-nosed, and a lot of Steelers fans have a problem with that. He’s still one of the best coaches in the league who’s managed to take his team to multiple Super Bowl appearances.

How do you feel about Kansas City as one of the top contenders in the AFC after that game?

DD: After that game, I feel like the Lombardi trophy should be on its way to the Chiefs facility right now. I knew Patrick Mahomes was the real deal… but last Sunday was something else. On a completely serious note, the Chiefs have established themselves early as contenders coming out of the AFC, and I put them on par (right now) with New England and behind Jacksonville. If Kansas City can get their defense finely tuned and ready for a playoff run, I like their chances. Obviously, Mahomes is due for regression at some point during the year, but overall the Kansas City offense looks more dangerous than in years past. People in KC are excited about this team, and I’m right there with them.