DEFENSE
To put it simply, it was easier to see what not to do on the tape. The Browns did a good job of getting pressure on Roethlisberger, recording seven sacks. For the most part, the turnovers they forced were bad plays by the Steelers. It goes without saying, the Chiefs need to get pressure on Roethlisberger. These are the other things I saw:
Play Receivers Off the Line of Scrimmage
This is the single most important thing for the defense. They must not get blown off the line by the Steelers receivers. On this play, JuJu Smith-Schuster does not allow the defensive back to put his hands on him. Without the press, Smith-Schuster is able to run right by him. The safety did not have time to range over to make the play. Because of how quickly he was able to get open, the pass-rush had no influence on the throw.
If the Chiefs hope to win this game, they must play good man-to-man coverage. It seems likely that Orlando Scandrick will be lined up in coverage against Smith-Schuster or Antonio Brown. He will need to bounce back after a poor performance in Week 1. Keenan Allen roasted him and Antonio Brown is even more talented than Allen.
Limit Catches Out of the Backfield
Yes, Le’Veon Bell is likely out for Week 2, but you shouldn’t sleep on James Conner. Conner is a very powerful back that has good vision. On top of his rushing abilities, he is a talented receiver. On this play, the Browns defense struggled wrapping him up after the catch. This resulted in a big play for the Steelers offense.
For the Chiefs, they struggled against this in Week 1. Melvin Gordon and Alex Ekeler had a lot of receiving yards out of the backfield. For the defense, the Chiefs will need competent safety play along with good coverage from their linebackers. Allowing Conner to catch out of the backfield would open up the offense for the Steelers. The Chiefs need to be able to contain him on the ground and through the air.
Injuries/Absences:
Pittsburgh: CB Joe Haden (Hamstring), RB Le’Veon Bell (Holdout), G David DeCastro (Hand), DL Tyson Alualu (Shoulder).
Kansas City: S Eric Berry (Heel), LB Ben Nieman (Hamstring).