Kansas City Chiefs: Four keys to beating the Pittsburgh Steelers

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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Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs nose tackle Dontari Poe (92) during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs nose tackle Dontari Poe (92) during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Those aren’t great numbers. However, it seemed at times that KC was willing to give a little in the run game to prevent big plays. The Chiefs were the definition of a bend but don’t break defense in 2016. The Chiefs were ninth WORST in the NFL in yards allowed but seventh BEST in points per game allowed.

Baring something unexpected I believe the best case scenario with Bell is something similar. They can afford to give up some yards here and there, but they can’t let him run all over them and they need to keep him out of the end zone. The good news is that the Chiefs only allowed 10 rushing touchdowns this season which was tied for 5th best in the NFL. The Chiefs are going to need to maintain that ability to keep running backs out of the end zone on Sunday if they are going to win.

If the game on Sunday comes to a close and Le’Veon Bell has something like 25 touches for 120 total yards and has been kept out of the end zone that will be a HUGE win for the Chiefs.

Finally….