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Kansas City Chiefs: Four keys to beating the Pittsburgh Steelers

By Lyle Graversen

Oct 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) gestures at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) gestures at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) runs the ball as referee Walt Anderson (left) follows during the first half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) runs the ball as referee Walt Anderson (left) follows during the first half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Key #2: Alex Smith must SAFELY use his legs

If you watched the Pittsburgh win over Miami you know that the Steelers defense was playing very physical. They took several big shots at Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore. The Chiefs can’t afford to lose Alex Smith in this game but they can’t afford for Smith to play scared either.

In the last two games of the season Smith seemed to rediscover his running prowess and it really helped spark the offense. As I pointed out last week he had the exact same number of yards in the final two games of the season as he did in the first fourteen.

Last season Smith rushed for almost 500 yards but through fourteen games it didn’t look like he would even surpass 100 yards in 2016. Maybe it was a conscious choice by Smith or even the Chiefs organization to protect Smith from the potential physical toll that it could take on him. However, the lack of that threat was a contributing factor to the Chiefs offense being stagnant at times earlier this season.

At this point there is nothing left to protect Smith for. It’s win or go home time and if the only way for the Chiefs to pick up a key first down is for Smith to take off and run then that is what he must do.

That having been said, Smith needs to not be too careless or cavalier with his body, especially early on in the game. The Steelers defense was clearly out for blood against Miami and I can’t imagine it will be any different on Sunday. Smith needs to use his legs to make plays when needed but then make sure to either get out of bounds or get down well before any defender can put a hit on him. If Smith can safely use his legs on Sunday it should help keep the chains moving which keeps the Pittsburgh offense off the field.

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