The Steelers Are Begging Their Fans To Get Loud

It turns out Pittsburgh Steelers fans need a little prodding from players before they’ll consider getting rowdy.

A few Steelers players spoke to the media about these next two weeks, both games at Heinz Field, as the team makes their final push for the playoffs and maybe the AFC North title. But Heinz Field has lost a bit of its luster this season because of a poor defense and a couple really bad losses. Steelers players are hoping the fans can bring it back.

Here’s Steelers cornerback William Gay:

"“You want to be in that atmosphere. We are glad to be back in Pittsburgh for two weeks. We have two great opponents coming in here. We just have to find a way to win.“We just need the Terrible Towels going crazy. Hopefully we make them wave their arms all game. I need it to be rocking. Sometimes you see Heinz Field kind of shaking and that’s what we need this week.”"

So far this season the Steelers have lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints, and a narrow three-point win over the Cleveland Browns — a team that’s lost four of its last five and has only two wins (out of seven) against teams with a winning record.

Further, the Steelers have been worse at home on defense than they have on the road. Pittsburgh is already in the bottom third in the NFL in points allowed, averaging 24.2 points against per game this season. At home the Steelers have given up 28.1 points per game in six home matches. Those Terrible Towels haven’t been so useful this season in Pittsburgh.

This may be part of the reason why the Steelers are trying to drum up some extra magic. The Chiefs are obviously not a great offensive team, although they are scoring at a slightly above-average rate this season. Keep in mind, however, that the Chiefs have played eight of Football Outsiders’ top 10 ranked defenses, which may play into our perception of KC’s attack. Pittsburgh ranks 31st.

At any rate, expect a jacked-up crowd on Sunday. It’s a big game for everybody.