Quick Take: Steelers-Chiefs

Published: Nov 17, 2009 at 05:17 AM

In Brief

» Last meeting: Pittsburgh took a 31-0 lead and enjoyed a 45-7 blowout victory over Kansas City on Oct. 15, 2006.
» Streaks: Since 1992, the Steelers and Chiefs have alternated wins, with Pittsburgh having won five of nine over that stretch. Overall, the Steelers have a 17-9 edge, including the playoffs.
» Last week: Kansas City won in Oakland the seventh straight time. ... Pittsburgh was swept by rival Cincinnati, losing, 18-12 at home.

Keep your eye on ...WR Lance Long's opportunity: Throughout training camp and the preseason, NFL.com chronicled Long's quest to make the Arizona Cardinals in our On the Fringe series. Long was ultimately let go by the Cardinals, but has found a home in Kansas City. With Dwayne Bowe suspended four games for violating the league's policy against performance-enhancing substances, Long has a chance to really make a name for himself.

Mike Brown's playmaking ability: The Chiefs have lacked a true defensive difference-maker all season, but Brown, a veteran safety, provided two huge interceptions in last week's win over the Raiders. He may need to have another strong outing against Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers, or Kansas City could be in for a tough day.

Pittsburgh's offensive line: Perhaps the biggest cause for the Steelers' loss to the Bengals last week was the play of the offensive line. The unit was manhandled at times by Cincinnati. Roethlisberger was unable to escape the pocket due to the Bengals' pass rush off the edge and sacked four times. Meanwhile, Rashard Mendenhall could not find any openings on the ground, rushing for just 36 yards. Pittsburgh should be better equipped to handle a Kansas City defense that ranks 31st in sacks and 27th against the run.

Did you know?

The Steelers are 2-0 against AFC West opponents so far this year. ... Pittsburgh WR Santonio Holmes has 199 career receptions. ... Chiefs LB Mike Vrabel was originally drafted by the Steelers in 1997. ... Kansas City's Dustin Colquitt leads the NFL with 27 punts inside the 20-yard line.

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