Kansas City Chiefs: Expectation, Obstacles Remain the Same
By Andrew Jones
Pittsburgh Steelers
It was speculated earlier this year that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger might retire. He said as much on a local radio show (per SB Nation) shortly after the Steelers were whipped in the AFC Championship Game. Roethlisberger has been dinged up a lot in his career and he is entering his 14th season. That is a long time for someone to play who gets hit as much as he does. The hopes of Steeler foes were dashed however when he confirmed he would be playing in 2017.
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This puts another obstacle in front of the Chiefs who have the better defense, but the inferior quarterback. Without Roethlisberger, it is not crazy to suggest the Chiefs beat Pittsburgh 9-of-10 times. With him, it shrinks to maybe 4-of-10 with excellent efforts from their own offense. The Steelers also have excellent management from the top down that avoids splash free agent signings, but drafts extremely well. Look at their three-headed monster on offense. Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, and Roethlisberger were all drafted and groomed in the organization.
Their defense has been better, but when it comes down to it, that defense still makes the plays necessary in big moments—moments where teams with lesser championship pedigree lose their footing. The harsh reality is that the Steelers will have another two years to legitimately contend before salary cap and age get the best of them. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for the Chiefs, who have a quarterback just one year younger.