Home Three Point Stance SCB Steelers Three-Point Stance; What We’re Looking for Against the Chiefs

SCB Steelers Three-Point Stance; What We’re Looking for Against the Chiefs

by Steeldad

Kansas City Chiefs (8-6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5), Sunday 1pm Heinz Field

TV: CBS Greg Gumbel, Trent Green

Radio: WDVE, Steelers Nation Radio Bill Hillgrove, Tunch Ilkin, Craig Wolfley

Line: Chiefs +3

AFC North: Bengals host Denver Monday night, Browns play at Carolina, Ravens play at Houston

At 8-6, the Chiefs come to Pittsburgh knowing a loss pretty much ends their playoff hopes. They are tied with San Diego and Buffalo at 8-6 and trail Pittsburgh and Baltimore who are both 9-5.

For the Steelers, it’s simple; win and they are in.

Here’s what we’re looking for in order for the Steelers to get the W on Sunday.

1. Spread’Em Out. Number two tight end Matt Spaeth has not practiced this week and is up in the air right now with an elbow injury. While I’m never thrilled to see Speath on the field, I can’t argue his solid blocking skills. Whether he plays or not, Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley needs to spread the field.

By using ’11’ personnel (one RB, one TE, 3 WRs), the Steelers can accomplish two things: They can spread the Chiefs defense out which should give Le’Veon Bell more room to run. KC ranks 28th in the league against the run  and is #1 against the pass so let’s not make this rocket science.

The other thing accomplished is creating more room for Ben Roethlisberger’s receivers which will allow him to get rid of the ball quicker. Avoiding the vaunted pass rush of the Chiefs will be key.

2. The LeBeau Plan is Set Up Perfectly This Week. Steelers Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau has one major goal every week when it comes to the opponent; make them one-dimensional. The Chiefs enter with the worst passing game in the league but the seventh best rushing attack.

Therefore, look for LeBeau to load up early and force Alex Smith to throw the ball down the field which he does not do well in Andy Reid’s West Coast system. If the Steelers can force Kansas City into being one-dimensional then that creates more opportunities for pressure, sacks and turnovers. If the Chiefs stay balanced it will be a long day for LeBeau and company.

3. Give the Crowd Something to Cheer About. There’s been a lot of talk this week about the Steelers’ faithful bringing their loudest and best to Heinz Field. I have tremendous confidence they will but the Steelers can’t let them down with poor first quarter play.

I’m challenging the Steelers to come out firing and get an early lead to keep the crowd involved and boisterous throughout all four quarters. A slow start or another performance like we saw against New Orleans will not be very welcomed by the wavers of the Terrible Towel.

Marc Uhlmann writes for and co-owns www.steelcityblitz.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteelDad and the website @SCBlitz. Check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/steelcityblitz and on Fancred.com. You can hear him weekly during the season on game day on the Trib-Live Radio Steelers Pre-Game

photo courtesy pittsburghsportingnews.com

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