NFL Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Defense Must Repeat Week 16 Performance In Season Finale

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By @writered21

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Much maligned at points this season, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced up to its frailties Sunday afternoon at home against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Steelers defense answered every question, holding Kansas City without a touchdown in a 20-12 victory that clinched an AFC playoff spot for Pittsburgh.

The Chiefs (8-7) gained plenty of yardage, actually getting the better of Pittsburgh in total offense, 327 to 282. But drive after drive, the Chiefs were either turned away and forced to kick a field goal, or their possessions were ruined by sacks. The Steelers’ defense turned in one of its most impressive performances of the season in terms of the pass rush, sacking Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith six times.

Cam Heyward set the tone early with 1.5 sacks, while the ageless James Harrison finished with the same total and linebacker Jason Worilds led the barrage with two sacks of his own.

Kansas City’s offense style, or perhaps lack there of, was also a key to the Steelers’ success. The Chiefs almost never throw the ball significantly downfield, which left Kansas City somewhat unable to take advantage of the fact that Steelers starting cornerback Ike Taylor and safety Troy Polamalu missed the game due to injuries.

The win secures at least an AFC Wild Card berth for Pittsburgh, the Steelers’ first playoff appearance since 2011. The 10 wins are a nice milestone after a pair of 8-8 seasons, as mediocrity not easily accepted in the Steel City. The Steelers still could win the AFC North as well, and will host division-leading Cincinnati Bengals next week in the regular season finale.

With downfield threats like A.J. Green and Mohamed Sanu, the Steelers will face a different challenge next week and it would help to get Taylor and Polamalu back. That said, the pressure Pittsburgh put on Smith can also do damage to Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, and the Steelers would be wise to pay attention to what worked well today and try and repeat the scheme next Sunday.

Ed Morgans is an ACC Basketball Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @writered21 and add him to your network on Google.

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