PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers got the help they needed on Sunday and took care of their business. Now the hardest part, figuring out how to beat the Chiefs in Arrowhead.
It was as ugly as the score suggested last week. The Chiefs scoring on its first four drives, the game was never really in doubt at half as KC won 36-10.
The first mention from receiver Chase Claypool is that it's different now, everyone is 0-0. A second-year player, Claypool sounded like a veteran in saying that game provided good film to watch and lessons to learn.
"We have grown in maturity and as a team," said defensive back Cam Sutton. "We are just playing inspired football, that has been carrying us through the end of the table. Whatever the odds, we are coming ready to play."
"It's another week, another opportunity and it's single elimination. That's the odds and we are ready to go."
Sutton had a huge interception in the win at Baltimore, one of three on the day. There were two interceptions in the win over Cleveland and four turnovers in beating the AFC's top seed, Tennessee.
"Turnovers are a big part of changing outcomes of games," Sutton said. "Keep putting ourselves in a good situation to win. That's an area where we are growing in the last few weeks, both sides of the ball, special teams as well. We are just so energized and so enthused as just being here, being together to continue this opportunity into the playoffs."
"The turnovers were significant," Tomlin said of the win over Baltimore. "Whenever we come in here, we better win the turnover battle. We're not getting out of this stadium unless we do."
Not only do the turnovers set up the offense, it gets the defense off the field. Sutton noted they were not getting killed by big plays a few weeks ago in Kansas City, rather they just couldn't get off the field. Steelers gave up a 14-play drive to start the game and the third possession was 10 plays. KC possessed the ball two-thirds of the first half, when the game was still in doubt. Sutton says they need to get Patrick Mahomes out of rhythm and limit his opportunities.
There is also the issue of finding a way to get a quick start. That has been a most-of-the-season problem, one that has not been solved. One time since the Chicago game on November 8 did Ben Roethlisberger lead a touchdown drive in the first half.
"We just like to stress people out early, all you guys and all our fans at home," Roethlisberger said. "But seriously, I have no idea. But I do think it shows something about this team, that you can continue to fight and never give up. You guys have asked me a million times, why, what's the issue – it would be nice to figure it out now."
Imagine the boost of confidence it could give the offense to get early points as a huge underdog. The road divisional playoff game in 2005, Steelers scored a pair of touchdowns in the first quarter and the powerful Colts led by Peyton Manning never recovered.
"Start fast in all facets of the game," said receiver Ray-Ray McCloud. "Anybody can be a spark at any time, so you have to stay locked in the game."
"It's a great venue," Sutton said. "It's a venue we were able to be in this year and experience. We know they will be hyped. The crowd will be into it. Our job is to eliminate that factor and not let it be a factor. Come in with our own energy, our own spark and not let the crowd be a factor. Play Steeler football and be ready to go."
"You're not going to say how you got in," said defensive captain Cam Heyward. "But, you get a chance to get in the playoffs, you're in. We're going to be playing some quality opponents. There are going to be some things to clean up, but I look forward to cleaning it up and not packing it up."
"I think we're all excited. We're just hungry. Just give us a shot."
"I mean, it's awesome," said kicker Chris Boswell of the opportunity. "And that just shows you the grit and grind of this team. And you know, young guys figuring it out. And we're just going to keep playing until that last whistle
"We still have a pulse if you give us a chance," said TJ Watt. "To get us in the dance, anything can happen, and that's where we are right now. So, [we're] hungrier than ever. We want to continue to play football, continue to make plays."
"It's been our story all year," Tomlin said of their season. "You guys buried us when we were 1-3. We've got a lot of warts, but we're here, and that's been our position since September. I'm just appreciative of that mental fortitude being displayed by those men in that locker room."
"Just play our game, play inspired, come ready to play," Sutton said. "We are hungry and ready to play. We are on the road at a great venue, but we will be ready."
