{"id":10553,"date":"2017-01-13T18:04:18","date_gmt":"2017-01-13T23:04:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=10553"},"modified":"2017-01-13T19:37:04","modified_gmt":"2017-01-14T00:37:04","slug":"pittsburgh-steelers-linebackers-are-key-to-stopping-the-kansas-city-chiefs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2017\/01\/13\/pittsburgh-steelers-linebackers-are-key-to-stopping-the-kansas-city-chiefs\/","title":{"rendered":"Pittsburgh Steelers Linebackers are Key to Stopping the Kansas City Chiefs"},"content":{"rendered":"

First and foremost, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to stop the run against the Kansas City Chiefs.\u00a0 Spencer Ware<\/a><\/strong> has done a fine job replacing Jamaal Charles<\/a><\/strong> this season, averaging 4.3 yards per carry and totaling 921 rushing yards.\u00a0 The Steelers will need to load the defensive box in order to stop the run, using linebackers as extra down linemen.\u00a0 James Harrison<\/a> <\/strong>and Bud Dupree<\/a> <\/strong>have played in down stances a lot this season, and they\u2019ll likely be doing it some more against the Chiefs.\u00a0 Making quarterback Alex Smith<\/a><\/strong> beat the defense with his arm should be the prime objective, but the Steelers will need to be aware of play-action and avoid getting beat deep.\u00a0 Tyreek Hill<\/a><\/strong> has excelled this year in the short-passing game as well as with deep throws.\u00a0 On the season, Hill has 593 receiving yards and six touchdowns with an average of almost ten yards per reception.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Steelers Linebackers are Key to Stopping the Kansas City Chiefs<\/h2>\n

Stopping the run and being disciplined on play-action passes will lead to mistakes being made by Smith.\u00a0 On the season, Smith has 3,502 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a quarterback rating of 85.3.\u00a0 When comparing all starting NFL quarterbacks from last season, Smith came in last when looking at how often quarterbacks completed passes across the first down marker on third down.\u00a0 In fact, on average, Smith\u2019s third down passes came up 3.6 yards short according to ProFootballFocus<\/a>.\u00a0 The next closest to Smith was Sam Bradford<\/a><\/strong>, who averaged coming up short of the line-to-gain by half of a yard.\u00a0 The Steelers should look to focus on the run and sit back in zone coverage.\u00a0 Forcing Smith into as many third downs as possible will be a key factor in defeating the Chiefs.<\/p>\n

What Worked the First Time?<\/h3>\n

In their first match-up with the Chiefs, turnovers were a huge factor for the Steelers.\u00a0 Short field position helped the offense put up early points and get out to a nice lead in the first quarter.\u00a0 On top of turnovers, stopping Ware and sitting back in zone coverage helped keep the Chiefs offense at bay. The Chiefs were held to 87 rushing yards on 18 carries.\u00a0 Also, numerous dropped passes by the Chiefs helped the Steelers defense stop them.\u00a0 The formula should remain the same in the second match-up.\u00a0 The Steelers should stop the run, drop back into zone coverage and try to force turnovers.\u00a0 Here<\/a> is a video recap of the first game.<\/p>\n

Defending the Pass<\/h3>\n

The Chiefs like to use a lot of short passes, meaning that Ryan Shazier<\/a> <\/strong>and Lawrence Timmons<\/a><\/strong> should be in zone coverage a lot.\u00a0 Don\u2019t expect as many blitzes as the Steelers linebackers have been running, since Smith will be looking to get rid of the ball quickly.\u00a0 The Steelers will need to be in lockdown coverage, forcing Smith to hold onto the football as long as possible.\u00a0 The linebackers will also need to key on tight end Travis Kelce<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 Kelce is an expert at block and release routes, meaning that he begins the play like he is blocking, but then releases the block and goes out for a pass.\u00a0 Expect Shazier to cover Kelce a lot, perhaps even in a spy role.\u00a0 The pass rush will mainly depend on Stephon Tuitt<\/a><\/strong> and rookie Javon Hargrave<\/a><\/strong> since the linebackers won\u2019t be blitzing much.<\/p>\n

As it\u2019s been all season, the team that is able to run the ball successfully and also stop the opposing team\u2019s running game, will likely get the win (Pittsburgh Steelers Postseason Success Depends on Run Defense<\/a>).\u00a0 Don\u2019t expect many sacks, but look for some key turnovers when Smith starts forcing throws.\u00a0 Keeping the Chiefs offense off of the field is crucial.\u00a0 The Steelers linebackers and the rest of the defense can\u2019t allow the Chiefs to chew up the clock.<\/p>\n

Main Photo:<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n