The Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5) will host the Kansas City Chiefs (14-1) in a high-stakes Christmas Day clash at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers, fighting to stay in the AFC’s No. 3 seed and host a home playoff game, face a monumental task in containing the back-to-back Super Bowl champions.
With injuries mounting on defense, tackling issues lingering, and a recent vulnerability to the run game, Pittsburgh will need to play its most disciplined game of the season to have a chance against the dynamic duo of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce and end their 2-game skid.
Injuries to test Pittsburgh Steelers defense
The Steelers enter this matchup with a battered secondary. Starting corners Dontae Jackson and Joey Porter Jr. are dealing with injuries (and Porter has been ruled out) as is safety DeShon Elliott. While Porter Jr. has emerged as one of Pittsburgh’s most promising young defenders, his ability to handle Mahomes’ pinpoint passing could be compromised if he’s less than 100-percent healthy. Jackson, a veteran with speed and versatility, and Elliott, a hard-hitting presence in the secondary, will also be key pieces whose effectiveness might be limited.
The Chiefs’ offense, known for exploiting mismatches, will undoubtedly target the Steelers’ weakened back end. If Jackson or Porter Jr. can’t go, backups like James Pierre and Cory Trice Jr will need to rise to the occasion. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin may also lean heavily on safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to help shore up coverage and provide support against Kelce in critical situations.
Tackling issues continue to haunt Pittsburgh
One of the most glaring issues for the Steelers in recent weeks has been their inability to tackle effectively. Missed tackles have turned routine plays into explosive gains, which has directly contributed to their defensive struggles. This is a problem that must be corrected immediately, especially against a Chiefs offense that thrives on yards after the catch.
To clean up their tackling, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to focus on fundamentals. Proper form, wrapping up, and taking better pursuit angles will be key. Additionally, the defense must emphasize gang tackling—getting multiple defenders to the ball carrier to prevent broken tackles and minimize damage.
Against players like Mahomes, Kelce, and running back Isiah Pacheco, who excel at creating yards after contact, poor tackling could be the Steelers’ undoing.
Containing Mahomes and Kelce
Stopping Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce is easier said than done. The duo has been one of the NFL’s most prolific partnerships for years, and they continue to terrorize opposing defenses with their unique chemistry.
Mahomes’ ability to improvise and Kelce’s knack for finding soft spots in coverage make them nearly impossible to completely shut down, but the Steelers must find ways to limit their impact.
- Bracket Coverage on Kelce
The Steelers can’t afford to let Kelce run wild in the middle of the field. Using bracket coverage—double-teaming him with a linebacker underneath and a safety over the top—can force Mahomes to look elsewhere. Fitzpatrick will play a key role here, as his versatility allows him to match up with Kelce in certain situations.
- Pressure Without Losing Contain
The Steelers’ pass rush, led by T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, must generate consistent pressure on Mahomes while keeping him contained in the pocket. Mahomes is lethal when he extends plays, so forcing him to make quick decisions under duress is essential.
- Disguising Coverages
Austin will need to mix up his defensive looks to keep Mahomes guessing. Rotating safeties and disguising blitzes can create confusion and potentially force Mahomes into mistakes.
Shoring Up the Run Defense
While much of the focus will be on Mahomes and the passing game, the Steelers must also address their recent struggles against the run. Over the past two weeks, Pittsburgh’s defense has allowed over 200 rushing yards combined to Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. This trend is concerning as they prepare to face Isiah Pacheco, a physical runner with a relentless style.
Stopping Pacheco will require discipline in the trenches. The defensive line, anchored by Cameron Heyward, must win at the point of attack and clog running lanes. Linebackers like Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts will need to maintain gap discipline and attack downhill to limit Pacheco’s effectiveness. Additionally, improved tackling will be crucial to prevent Pacheco from gaining extra yards after contact.
Keys to Victory for Pittsburgh
To have any chance of pulling off the upset, the Steelers must execute a near-flawless defensive game plan:
- Limit Big Plays: The Chiefs thrive on explosive plays, and the Steelers can’t afford to give up easy touchdowns. The key will be keeping everything in front of them and forcing Kansas City to sustain long drives.
- Win the Turnover Battle: Creating takeaways has been a strength for the Steelers, and they’ll need to capitalize on any mistakes the Chiefs make.
- Control the Clock: On offense, Pittsburgh needs to sustain long drives and dominate time of possession to keep Mahomes on the sideline.
A Christmas Day Challenge
Playing at home on Christmas Day allows the Steelers to make a statement. The home crowd will undoubtedly bring energy, and the Steelers will need to feed off that momentum to compete with one of the league’s best teams.
While injuries and recent struggles present significant hurdles, the Steelers have the talent and determination to make this a competitive game. Execution, discipline, and resilience will be the keys to giving the Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans a holiday upset to remember.
