The Steelers defense put on a display for the ages on Sunday by going into enemy territory and holding a previously unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs team to only six total yards of offense in the first half.

While the top-ranked Chiefs offense eventually came to (with help of the Steelers letting off the gas a bit later in the game) Pittsburgh’s defense deserves some praise, and one scolding, in what was a tremendous team effort.

3rd and 6 – PIT 28 – 6:30 1st Quarter

One of my favorite concepts being run by Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler this season is how he uses CB Mike Hilton. The addition of this street free agent this season has been one of several dynamic changes to the Steelers defense. Hilton is a chess piece who his being put all over the field. He’s also shown he has blazing speed on DB blitz packages, of which I’m referring to as “my favorite play” for this season.

On this play, the Steeler bring four in pressure: Hilton crashes on the right tackle as Bud Dupree sticks to the left guard, creating an opportunity for either Hilton, or safety Sean Davis (also blitzing) to get to Chiefs QB Alex Smith. Stephon Tuitt handles his own man and while no Steelers get to Smith, he has to quickly get rid of the ball as both edges are collapsing.

His pass is then broken up by CB Artie Burns as the Steelers force a three-and-out.

1st and 10 – KC 33 – 14:50 2nd Quarter

Didn’t we all assume that James Harrison‘s return would mean he would be used as a situational pass rusher?

I’m sure that’s what Kansas City also thought when they saw 92 on the field for the first time in the second quarter. In fact, Alex Smith deliberately attempts to exploit the fact that Harrison is on the field, testing the 39 year old’s pass coverage abilities.

Smith immediately makes a quick throw, working off of play action. The pass is completed to Tyreek Hill, who finds Artie Burns and James Harrison both playing zone coverage. Burns starts the play playing way off of the line of scrimmage, and seals off his side of the field while Harrison closes in to make the tackle.

2nd and 5 – KC 38 – 14:11 2nd Quarter

The above play led to this next one, where once again Mike Hilton makes a big play.

Hilton’s awareness blew up the pitch play to Tyreek Hill, costing the Chiefs nine yards. They’d be penalized on 3rd and 14 and eventually be stopped for a short gain, forcing yet another three-and-out.

1st and 10 – KC 37 – 1:21 2nd Quarter

Down 12-3, the Chiefs were trying to generate offense in their two-minute drill. Kansas City had just gained their first first down of the game as the clock ticked down to 1:21 remaining. The Steelers lined up with two linemen, and three of their four linebackers showing blitz.

The Steelers only end up sending two of those linebackers: Bud Dupree and Vince Williams. Williams does not show a blitz initially and must be blocked by rookie running back Kareem Hunt.

Hunt is flattened by Williams, who sacks Smith on the play. Two plays later, Williams breaks free and abuses Hunt once again for a second sack (not shown).

3rd and 10 – KC 35 – 8:28 3rd Quarter

Remember when Steelers corners would play ten yards off of the ball, but couldn’t make a play?

It’s obvious in this game that Pittsburgh was counting on Burns’ speed in shutting down KC’s pass game. Here Burns closes in as the Steelers only send four on another third down, dropping others into coverage.

Also of note is how active and disruptive any of the pass rushers involved were in this play, and others, throughout the game.

1st and 10 – KC 20 – 3:16 3rd Quarter

I really want to say “guess who?” here!

This play by Mike Hilton is self-explanatory, just as the heads-up play above was.

It’s important to show how big of an addition Hilton has been to the Steelers secondary. The Chiefs attempt to run a screen play to Travis Kelce, but Hilton once again sheds a would-be blocker and drops a tight end who outweighs him by 80 pounds for a two-yard loss.

2 and 10 – KC 43 – 6:26 4th Quarter

The big blemish on the evening for the Steelers defense: this 57-yard touchdown pass from Alex Smith to De’Anthony Thomas.

This was a big miscommunication between Mike Hilton and Artie Burns on who should be covered by whom. Essentially, those two are covering three players during our freeze frame point: one of those players is behind the corners, who have help over the top by safety Sean Davis in a Cover 3 look.

Davis continues in help, which leaves Burns attempting to communicate with the defense as Thomas slips behind him while Pittsburgh’s three-man front gives Smith time to move out of the pocket and find his receiver.

To add injury to insult, neither Burns or Hilton makes their attempted tackles, as Thomas flips over the goalline for six.