Kansas City Chiefs-Pittsburgh Steelers: Three Key Matchups for Sunday

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off of very different 2008 seasons. 

The Steelers, of course, were the Super Bowl Champions, whereas Kansas City finished with only two wins and their second consecutive top-five pick in the draft.  A dichotomous matchup between these two teams takes place in week 11 of the NFL season. 

The Steelers have “struggled” to a mark of 6-3, in a relative downward spiral from their place atop the NFL.  It would be nice to say the Chiefs are also moving in the opposite direction from last year. However, Kansas City mirrors last year’s record with only two wins. 

Despite the hoopla surrounding the “Pittsburgh collapse,” and the flurry of commotion regarding the upheaval of the Chiefs organization, this is still a matchup of an elite NFL team versus a basement dweller. 

Despite the difference in talent between these two teams, there are still some intriguing matchups that might play a factor if a major upset is in the works.

Brandon Flowers-Hines Ward

Neither of these players is the most physically gifted, meaning, neither of these players would blow someone’s socks off with eye-popping combine numbers. 

Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers saw his value drop in the draft due to a poor 40-time and Steelers receiver Hines Ward is never in a conversation of the fastest receivers in the league. However, both are arguably among the premiere players at their respective positions. 

Ward established himself long ago as a crafty, savvy veteran who exceeds the expectations of him merely based on a physical examination.  The former Super Bowl MVP is the Steelers all time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. 

Flowers is a youngster who is quickly making a name for himself.  Flowers has hung with the speedsters like Darrius Heyward-Bey of the Raiders and is an exceptional open-field tackler.  He is emerging as a potential lock-down corner that may see several Pro Bowls in his future. 

Flowers' seemingly sub-par speed means he exceeds as a student of the game and the almost intellectual matchup with Ward may prove a lesson for Flowers, who hopes to show he is ready to be more teacher than student. 

Ben Roethlisberger’s Tendency to Hold on to the Ball too Long-The Struggling Kansas City Pass Rush

Pittsburgh’s quarterback is a big man.  Ben Roethlisberger, or Big Ben, stands at 6’5", 241 pounds.  He is known for his ability to tear away from many would-be tacklers, which seems to inflate his confidence in holding the ball, to let plays further develop in the secondary. 

Kansas City has seen mild improvement in their pass rush, but improvement doesn’t say much, as last year the Chiefs set an NFL record for fewest sacks in a season. Still, with Roethlisberger's tendency to hold on to the ball, Kansas City may have an opportunity to add to their total of 12 sacks on the year.

Matt Cassel-The Steelers Defense Sans Troy Polomalu

Troy Polomalu, a safety out of USC, has made five consecutive Pro Bowls and is considered the best in the league at his position. 

A Steelers defense without Polomalu, is like the Colts offense losing Peyton Manning.  Polomalu’s presence, or lack thereof, cannot be overemphasized. 

In recent weeks, Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel has been given more time to stand in the pocket and make plays.  Despite the fact that number one receiver Dwayne Bowe is out of the game because of suspension, Kansas City has accumulated a varied body of pass catching weapons. Without having to face Polomalu, Kansas City’s best chance to hang with the reigning Super Bowl champs may be through the air.