Six encouraging signs from KC Chiefs win over Pittsburgh Steelers

Better Coverage On The Outside

A few weeks ago the Chiefs corners were absolutely torched on the outside by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. Now I understand that Ben Roethlisberger doesn’t have any arm left, but when the corners were challenged on the outside in this game they played MUCH better, especially Charvarius Ward. That is going to be crucial for the Chiefs going forward as teams try to replicate what the Bengals did to them on the outside.

Even in K.C.’s regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos, we saw quarterback Drew Lock attack the outside corners some, but in this game, the Chiefs corners were regularly right there in tight coverage. While Big Ben may be shot, he does have some talented wideouts to target and the Chiefs corners denied them the ball. Ward in particular had a couple of great snaps. Ward has also been a player who can struggle when he loses his confidence, so having a great game and getting back that confidence is huge before a big playoff showdown next week.

Plus, the Chiefs were without Rashad Fenton, who was out with a pre-game injury, so they weren’t even full strength at cornerback in this game. I have no doubt that the Bills will test the Chiefs on the outside next week, and if the corners can play as they did in this game, I think K.C. will be okay. The Bills are good enough that they will convert a few big passes here and there, but I believe the Chiefs can limit the damage.

Finally, let’s hope that the officiating next week is like it was in this Steelers game. The refs let the players play and didn’t throw an interference flag for every little touch like in some previous weeks. It would definitely be in the corners’ best interest for that trend to continue in the playoffs.

So what do you think Chiefs fans? Do you agree with these encouraging signs out of K.C.’s win over the Steelers? Do you think I’m off base with any of them? Is there anything you think I left off the list? If so, I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below.