Wounded Steelers are still a difficult challenge for the Chiefs

Just when things were looking up for the Chiefs, they took a step backwards this week with the four game suspension of Dwayne Bowe for violation of the NFL’s drug policy.

With a wounded Pittsburgh Steelers team coming to town, KC is having to circle the wagons themselves and readjust their receiving corps just when it was starting to make an impact.  With their number one receiver out, recently acquired Chris Chambers becomes that much more valuable.  After two weeks of being inactive, Bobby Wade will be back on the field and coach Todd Haley will be expecting production from the former Viking star and Lance Long, the small free agent who the Chiefs have been giving a long look. 

With the passing game having to readjust, quarterback Matt Cassel may want to rely on the running game.  Jamaal Charles had his first 100 yard performance last week against the Raiders, but running against Oakland isn’t the same as trying to run against the Steelers.  

Pittsburgh is number one in the league against the rush, allowing less than 70 yards per game, they’re 2nd in the league in total defense at 277 yards per game.  KC’s offense will have their hands full even with Troy Polamalu likely out of the lineup.  At some point this season KC has to find a way to start converting third downs.  That starts with leaving themselves shorter yardage situations by having fewer minus plays offensively.

It comes back once again to the offensive line for Kansas City.  Can they create enough running room for Charles and Kolby Smith and can they protect Cassel and give him some time to find the open receiver?

The flip side is whether the Chiefs defense can eliminate giving up the big play and put the pressure on Ben Rothlesberger.  Big Ben will hold the ball and take sacks.  The line has to get some sacks.  Glenn Dorsey is showing continued improvement in the middle and Tamba Hali has been a force to be reckoned with from the linebacker spot.

Haley says if there’s one thing that rises above all else when playing the Steelers, it’s that they will be physical and the Chiefs better be ready to be physical if they expect to have a chance to win.