Former NFL linebacker Tedy Bruschi has voiced his belief that the Pittsburgh Steelers will win the AFC North and defeat the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs. Despite a difficult stretch of recent games, Bruschi sees the Steelers as the team to challenge the Chiefs' dominance in the playoffs.
The Steelers are currently 10-5 on the season but have seen their momentum slip in recent weeks, especially after a loss to the Baltimore Ravens that placed them in a tie for the division lead. With standout wide receiver George Pickens sidelined, the Steelers face a challenging path to secure the division title. To make matters more difficult, they have to beat the Chiefs in Week 17 to boost their chances.
Bruschi, however, remains optimistic about the Steelers' chances. "I don’t want to get too down on them," he said, reflecting on their recent performance. "I still think they can [win the division]. The Chiefs game will be tough. I think this is the team to beat the Chiefs."
Keys to Victory: Playing a Perfect Game
Bruschi emphasized that for the Steelers to succeed against the Chiefs, they will need to play a nearly flawless game. He pointed to a crucial mistake in a recent game involving Russell Wilson and said, "Russell [Wilson] can’t do what he did. This team has to play perfect. They got to play close to the vest here."
Bruschi continued by highlighting the importance of avoiding mistakes that could shift the momentum. "You definitely can’t have those huge point swings in terms of fumbling inside the five and a pick-six. Take away those, and this is a different game." According to Bruschi, the Steelers need to focus on complementary football, with their defense and special teams playing key roles.
AFC North Battle and Playoff Implications
The Steelers' current position in the AFC North is precarious. After Week 16, they have a 48% chance of winning the division, trailing the Baltimore Ravens by just 4%. A win over Kansas City would give them a significant boost, especially as they aim to avoid slipping into the Wild Card spot.
Bruschi believes the Chiefs' game will be close, stating, “You think the Chiefs’ game’s gonna be close? I think so." The key, according to Bruschi, will be Pittsburgh's ability to disrupt Patrick Mahomes' rhythm with a strong defensive performance. "Do they have finishers on the defensive line as pass rushers for the Pittsburgh Steelers? Absolutely. That’s what beats them.”
A Challenging But Possible Win
Though the road ahead is tough, Bruschi feels that the Steelers have a legitimate chance to pull off an upset against the Chiefs. "Anything is possible once you go inside the white lines," he said. With both teams facing short weeks, Bruschi believes the Steelers' defense, particularly their pass rush, could be the difference-maker. He noted that with Mahomes' offensive line banged up, Pittsburgh needs to apply constant pressure while minimizing mistakes on offense to secure a victory.
The Steelers will face a tough task in the coming weeks, but Bruschi's confidence in their potential to dethrone the Chiefs remains strong.