Steelers-Chiefs: 5 key points

By: Donny Chedrick 
Once again, the 1972 Miami Dolphins can pop the champagne. This time, they can thank the Steelers, after the Killer Bees handed the Chiefs their first loss this past Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. After Pittsburgh laid an egg the week before at Heinz Field, this was a massive team response. Ben played better, Bell ran wild and the defense did not let the weapons of Kansas City beat them in the 19-13 win. The win put Pittsburgh at 4-2, with sole possession of first place in the AFC North heading into a week when the Steelers meet the Bengals at Heinz Field  Sunday afternoon. Before that, we'll take a look at five things that led to the Steelers win at Arrowhead.
1. The Steelers continue to own the Chiefs

Photo creds to Behind the Steel Curtain

The last time the Chiefs beat the Steelers came two seasons ago when Landry Jones was forced into the starting QB spot after Ben Roethlisberger was injured against the then, St. Louis Rams. Since that day, Pittsburgh has had the upper-hand on KC by winning 43-14 at home last October, squeaking by 18-16 in the AFC Divisional round this past season and winning 19-13 Sunday, with two of those three coming at Arrowhead. In fact, Pittsburgh has lost just once to the Chiefs since 2010, which like 2015 came in a game not started by Big Ben. It seems that the Pittsburgh Steelers don't fear the Kansas City Chiefs, and at this point, it may be the other way around.


2. Brown and Bell saved the game

Photo creds to Chiefs Wire

 For as good as the Steelers defense played Sunday afternoon,  two of the best-skilled players in the league saved the game. For the first time in their careers, both Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell accumulated 150+ yards receiving and rushing, respectively, in the same game. Bell looked like he did in the two games against Kansas City last year - dominant. Brown made a catch in the 4th quarter that will be remembered as one of his finest when his career is over. The catch ended up being a touchdown and it all but iced the game for Pittsburgh.

3. Defensive rebound

Photo creds to The Kansas City Star

After being embarrassed by rookie running back, Leonard Fournette a week earlier,  the Steelers defense made sure it wouldn't let a rookie run wild on them again. Not only did the defense shut down  Kareem Hunt, they didn't allow Alex Smith and Tyreek Hill to burn them either. Hunt had nine rushes for 21 yards and five receptions for 89 yards. Hill had one carry for -9 yards and five receptions for 34 yards. Smith had an average 234 yards passing, most of which came in the 4th quarter. The way the defense performed Sunday made it look like it could contend for a Super Bowl just a week after it was embarrassed at home.

4. Mike Mitchell's antics 

There were a few downfalls that came with the Steelers win Sunday and one of them is the play of Mitchell. The veteran safety made multiple plays that not only cost the Steelers penalty yards but almost cost multiple players the rest of their season. Mitchell is almost to the status of Vontaze Burfict and in some people's minds. He is at that level of dirtiness. He makes plays on occasion and plays well enough to be a starter on the Steelers defense, but at some point could the antics be too much for the team to keep him in?


5. Martavis Bryant trade request 

Photo creds to PennLive.Com

 The Steelers seemingly can't have a big win go without some controversy. After the win in Baltimore, it was the Antonio Brown-saga. A few hours after the victory in Kansas City, it came out that wide receiver Martavis Bryant wasn't happy with his position on the team to the point where he requested a trade. Whether any players say this is a distraction or not, it 100% is. Hopefully, it doesn't lead to lackluster performances on the field.