Chiefs Vs Steelers: 5 Things To Expect Wednesday

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Post on Dec 26, 2024

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Chiefs vs. Steelers: 5 Things to Expect Wednesday

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers, two storied franchises with rich histories and passionate fanbases, clash on Wednesday night in a highly anticipated preseason game. While the outcome might not hold the same weight as a regular season matchup, this game offers a crucial glimpse into both teams' readiness for the upcoming season. Beyond the score, there are several key aspects to watch for. This preview delves into five things to expect from this exciting Wednesday night showdown.

1. A Battle of the Backup Quarterbacks: The Spotlight on the Future

With Patrick Mahomes and Kenny Pickett likely seeing limited, if any, snaps, the spotlight will shine brightly on the backup quarterbacks. For the Chiefs, it's a chance to assess the progress of Shane Buechele and Blaine Gabbert, vying for the crucial backup role behind Mahomes. Buechele, with his arm talent and mobility, could look to impress with decisive throws and highlight-reel plays. Gabbert, the veteran, will aim to show his experience and leadership qualities, proving a reliable option in case of emergency.

The Steelers' situation is equally intriguing. Mason Rudolph, once considered the heir apparent, now faces competition from rookie, and fourth-round pick, Tanner Morgan. This game presents a pivotal opportunity for both quarterbacks to showcase their abilities and demonstrate their readiness to step in should Pickett require a rest or encounter injury. Expect a fierce battle for snaps and a keen focus on accuracy, decision-making under pressure, and overall command of the offense. This competition will extend beyond just statistics, with coaches likely assessing pocket presence, leadership, and game management skills.

2. Offensive Line Scrutiny: A Foundation Under Construction

Both offensive lines are undergoing transitions and refinements. The Chiefs' offensive line, while generally strong, needs to solidify its depth and consistency beyond the starting five. Preseason games are invaluable for evaluating younger players vying for roster spots and for assessing the chemistry and synchronization of the unit as a whole. Expect a concentrated effort from Kansas City to test different line combinations, focusing on run blocking efficiency and pass protection against varied Steelers' defensive fronts.

Similarly, the Steelers' offensive line is another point of focus. Protecting Pickett and opening holes for the running game will be critical in their success this season. This game provides an opportunity to evaluate the progress made during training camp and to identify any weaknesses that need to be addressed before the regular season opener. Expect a close examination of both run and pass blocking techniques, paying particular attention to how the line performs against varied defensive schemes. The performance of the offensive line will be a key indicator of each team’s readiness to take on stronger opposition.

3. The Emergence of the Young Guns: Rookie and Undrafted Free Agents in Action

This preseason game provides an invaluable opportunity to showcase the potential of rookie players and undrafted free agents fighting for roster spots. For both teams, this is a chance to evaluate talent from the bottom up. Expect to see extensive playing time for these players, providing a glimpse of their raw talent, their ability to adapt to the NFL level, and their capacity to learn and improve throughout the season. The performance of these players could significantly influence final roster decisions, shaping the composition of the team heading into the regular season.

4. Special Teams Battle: A Crucial Aspect Often Overlooked

While often overlooked, special teams play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of games. Field position, turnovers, and successful kicking are all critical components. Expect both the Chiefs and Steelers to give their special teams units ample opportunity to showcase their skills. This includes kickers, punters, returners, and coverage units. Small errors in this area can significantly impact the flow of the game, and a strong performance from special teams can give a team a decisive edge, even in a preseason setting. Keep a close eye on how effectively both teams execute in this often-underappreciated facet of the game.

5. Defensive Scheme Adjustments: Early-Season Strategy on Display

This game offers a chance to witness both teams implementing their defensive schemes. While coaches won't reveal all their secrets, we can expect to see glimpses of their defensive strategies, particularly in terms of pass rush techniques, coverage schemes, and overall defensive philosophy. The Chiefs, known for their innovative defensive approaches, might unveil some new wrinkles. Similarly, the Steelers will be eager to showcase their defensive upgrades and their capacity to adapt to various offensive attacks. Analyzing these defensive efforts – pressures, coverages, and overall scheme adjustments – could provide valuable insights into how both teams plan to approach the challenges of the regular season. The matchups between offensive and defensive players in this early-season test will offer clues to their strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusion:

The Chiefs vs. Steelers preseason game is far more than just a tune-up. It’s a crucial opportunity for both teams to evaluate their depth, refine their strategies, and identify potential breakout players. While the final score may not be the primary focus, the key takeaways from this game – the battle of the backup quarterbacks, the evaluation of offensive lines, the emergence of young talent, the performance of special teams units, and the implementation of defensive schemes – will be invaluable in shaping their preparations for the upcoming regular season. Don't miss this captivating clash of titans, even if it's just a preseason showing.