Pittsburgh Review

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a challenging week as they prepare to play against the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. The team returned to their training facility shortly after a 34-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, which marked their second consecutive defeat.

Head coach Mike Tomlin is focused on breaking this losing streak and keeping the team's hopes alive for winning the AFC North title. "There's a reason why they're pursuing their third-straight championship," Tomlin said about the Chiefs. He acknowledged the strength of their upcoming opponents, who currently hold a 14-1 record.

Despite recent setbacks, including playing four out of five games on the road with a 2-3 outcome, the Steelers have secured a spot in the AFC playoffs. However, they are now tied with Baltimore at the top of the AFC North standings following Saturday's loss. Winning their final two games would guarantee them an AFC North title and another home game in postseason play.

Tomlin highlighted that beating Kansas City would not only help secure playoff positioning but also boost team morale after recent difficulties. "I don't know how dominant they need to be. I mean, they're 14-1," he remarked about Kansas City's performance this season.

Injury concerns remain for several key players who missed last week's game due to injuries: Larry Ogunjobi, DeShon Elliott, Donte Jackson, and George Pickens. Tomlin expressed hope for their return against Kansas City but noted that preparation time is limited with only one official practice scheduled before game day.

Tomlin was less optimistic regarding cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who suffered a knee injury during last week's game against Baltimore along with wide receiver Ben Skowronek (hip). "Their availability remains questionable," he stated.

Porter's absence contributed significantly to defensive challenges faced by Pittsburgh last week as they struggled defensively without three starting defensive backs leading directly into coverage breakdowns resulting in touchdowns by Baltimore tight ends Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews.

"When you've got some quarterback mobility...it stresses you," Tomlin commented while reviewing gameplay footage from last weekend’s match-up versus Derrick Henry’s running attack which saw him gain over 160 yards rushing alone—adding further pressure onto an already strained defense unit struggling under current circumstances yet aiming towards improvement ahead given crucial timing involved now nearing season end stage overall contextually speaking ultimately so forth thereby accordingly thusly finally concluding herein present report thereof previously mentioned hereinabove aforementioned therein included throughout narrative recounted above stated content provided heretofore presented duly noted concluded thus far hereinafter set forth accordingly thereto respecting said matter concerning related issues discussed pertaining thereto regarding relevant aspects addressed therein within scope delineated hitherto outlined thereby encompassed hereinbefore described henceforth detailed below: