Our panel of writers came together to preview this week’s Chiefs game, by each finding a single battle they felt would be the “key to the game” for the Steelers to emerge victorious.

Here are those results:

Joe

My key to the game is tackling.

Alex Smith and the Chiefs will play almost identical to the Eagles last week. Someone on XM Radio called him “Mr. Checkdown.” Only four of Carson Wentz‘ passes were thrown beyond 8 yards of the line of scrimmage.

Smith might take more shots, but he doesn’t have the same talent at wide receiver, though Travis Kelce could be a concern… you remove that concern by making tackles, so these short “dink and dunk” passes go for little-to-no gains. (Smith is also more prone to hold onto the ball and take a sack as well; as evidenced by the first three games.)

If you let a big pass develop, so be it: the Steelers are solid in the redzone, and so long as the offense holds up it’s end of the bargain, chunks of yards will continue that “bend but don’t break” success from the first two games.

Brian

I think the key to this game is going to be how well the “Next Man Up” philosophy continues to work.

It’s good that Timmons looks to be able to play, but it will be interesting to see how they patch the secondary together in the dime, nickle and quarter packages.

How will Justin Gilbert hold up?

How will Artie Burns handle more playing time?

More important I think is the offensive line play (Ramon Foster has been ruled out). That gives us an extremely inexperienced left side of the line with Big Al and either B.J. Finney or Hubbard. (Finney will get the start in place of Foster, for now.)

I agree that tackling the catch, not giving up a ton of YAC is crucial, but with so many moving parts this week I think it’s coaching and the ability of guys to step up as needed that is going to make the difference.

But – none of this matters, because Emily (my daughter) will be at the gam;, so we will win.

Terry

The keys to this game are limit interceptions (KC leads the league with 8 in 3 games, even though 6 were from the Jets and Ryan Fitzpatrick).

Big Ben has thrown for 4 INTs mostly due to young WRs learning their routes and getting used to their future HOF QB.

We also need to get the run game going. DeAngelo Williams has done an excellent thus far, but the last game, the run game was held to a little over 50 yards.

With Le’Veon Bell back, our rush and passing game should go to the next level.

We will win but it will be close: 24-20 Pittsburgh

Zac

I don’t wanna be boring but im going special teams on this one: this game is supposed to be the game Gilbert gets a shot to return a kick or two.

Also, I want to see Chris Boswell bounce back from that blocked kick.

The Steelers also have to contain the Chiefs return game. De’Anthony Thomas has been inactive so far, but if he’s up, he’s as dangerous as anyone. In his place Tyreek Hill has been a headache for opposing special teams, so it’s imperative this group gets up to speed quick, with many of the usual special teamers being called up to start and/or contribute in place of injuries.

I think this will be a tight game, so if AB or Gilbert can return one to the house, that may in fact win the game.