Chiefs vs. Steelers: Musings on David DeCastro, Todd Haley and more

We recently asked Jeff Hartman of Behind the Steel Curtain to give us some insider perspective on the Steelers as the Chiefs prepare to play them on Sunday in Week 2.

The Kansas City Chiefs face perhaps their stiffest road test of the season when they travel to Pittsburgh in Week 2 to face the Steelers, a team that has haunted them in recent years. The road to AFC supremacy might run through New England but one of the final stops is most definitely Steel City and the Chiefs can’t seem to get past this juncture in their quest for postseason glory.

With a new quarterback, optimism is at a recent high since Patrick Mahomes showed up strong last week. The Chiefs are fresh off a season-opening win over the Chargers, and another road win over the Steelers would have fans thinking Super Bowl very quickly. Unfortunately the Steelers have bested the Chiefs in six of the last seven regular season that Ben Roethlisberger has started. It looks like he will do so once again on Sunday.

Before kickoff, we wanted to ask a Steelers insider about a few key subjects, from the potential loss of David DeCastro along the line to Big Ben’s health and even the exit of Todd Haley. We appreciate Jeff Hartman of Behind the Steel Curtain for obliging our request and taking time to answer a few questions.

Big Ben is on the injured list, but are we being silly to think he might not play or even that he’ll be that off if he does so?

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Early indications this week were Roethlisberger’s status would be in the air when he missed Wednesday and Thursday practice, but that certainly changed when he was a full participant on Friday. I would put money he plays on Sunday…much to the dismay of Chiefs fans. However, if he plays like he did in Week 1 Kansas City fans might be happy!

How much is the line or offense affected by David DeCastro’s situation?

David DeCastro is an All-Pro guard, and you don’t just replace what he does in both pass protection and in the running game. However, the Steelers have one of the most capable backups in B.J. Finney. Finney is a road grader and loves to go downhill to get the running game going. If he starts, the Steelers will be just fine.

What’s the overall vibe in the room given last week’s tie among Steelers fans?

It was a loss. Period. Fans and players alike view the Week 1 result as a loss. However, a tie could actually benefit the Steelers regarding tie breakers down the road, so while it might feel bad now, it certainly could pay dividends later.

Do you think the loss of Todd Haley is something that’s going to hinder the team at all?

I personally don’t. Haley’s time with the team had run its course, and both parties agreed to that. Haley wasn’t necessarily fired, his contract was up and the Steelers chose to promote Randy Fichtner to offensive coordinator rather than bring back Haley. Fichtner is calling plays in the NFL for the first time, but did a nice job in Week 1, all things considered.

The Steelers have owned the Chiefs over the last few years. Do you think that trend continues in 2018?

I do. But this prediction is based on Roethlisberger playing. If the Steelers have No. 7 under center, I see a game filled with offense on both sides. The Steelers, and mainly Roethlisberger, play better at home than on the road, and I like how they matchup with the Chiefs in many ways. I like the Steelers 31-27.

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