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5 Takeaways From Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 16 Win

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5 Takeaways From Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 16 Win

Antonio Brown
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

After what has felt like an eternity to Pittsburgh Steelers fans, the Black and Gold are again headed to the postseason courtesy of a 20-12 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Personal fouls, injured superstars and one of the worst officiating calls in recent memory punctuated the emotional win. It’s all here in this week’s takeaways.

5. The Defense Is Coming To Life

Jason Worilds
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

5. The Defense Is Coming To Life

Jason Worilds
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It was said in their win against Atlanta last week that the defense doesn’t have to be dominant; it just has to be good enough. Someone somewhere must’ve taken that as an insult to that franchise’s rich history, because the D wreaked havoc today. Alex Smith threw for over 300 yards with no turnovers, but the front seven racked up six sacks, kept things uncomfortable and refused to allow entry into their end zone. Mission accomplished.

4. Don’t Forget About Heath Miller

Heath Miller
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

4. Don’t Forget About Heath Miller

Heath Miller
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The forgotten piece in the Steelers’ offensive juggernaut this season has undoubtedly been Heath Miller. Ole Reliable had seven receptions for 68 yards, second only to Antonio Brown’s mandatory team-leading performance. In an offense laden with flashy finishers, Miller often does the dirty work that sets the Killer Bs up for big plays. Expect him to feature more heavily in the passing game come playoff time.

3. Le’Veon Bell’s Presence Is Always Felt

Le'Veon Bell
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

3. Le’Veon Bell’s Presence Is Always Felt

Le'Veon Bell
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It was said in the bold predictions piece that Bell would have another sub-50 yard day on the ground. He did a little better with 63 yards, but that was to be expected with KC selling out on the run. What wasn’t expected was how crucial his presence was off the ball. The Chiefs couldn’t stop the play-action all day, as Pittsburgh was able to sustain long drives and ultimately suffocate the Chiefs’ offense.

2. James Harrison Is Still A Monster

James Harrison
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

2. James Harrison Is Still A Monster

James Harrison
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Returning from injury, it would’ve been perfectly fair to expect Harrison, now 36, to be just another body on the field today. Instead he was good for seven tackles, including 1.5 sacks, and had Smith wishing he was back in the Bay Area enjoying a day off. Harrison has already given his soul to this team -- now his body belongs to the Steelers too. He might just break himself taking the ‘Burgh to one last Super Bowl. AFC QBs are again on notice.

1. That Taunting Call Was An Absolute Disgrace

Mike Tomlin, William Gay
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

1. That Taunting Call Was An Absolute Disgrace

Mike Tomlin, William Gay
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Have you ever been so blind you flagged a man for taunting his own teammate? After Lawrence Timmons stuffed a screen on third down, William Gay stood beside his teammate and folded his arms. With no Chiefs in sight, the yellow flag was thrown and an automatic first down awarded. KC’s drive ended in a field goal as raucous boos rained down from all sides. The call was ultimately an inconsequential one, but that’s no excuse for sheer idiocy.

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