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Final Score
Chiefs — 0-0-0-14–14
Steelers — 22-7-7-7–43
The Steelers scored 22 points in the first quarter and never looked back, trouncing the Chiefs 43-14. Ben Roethlisberger finished with five touchdowns, but it was his work in the opening minutes that set the tone for the evening.
Looking to avenge last week’s 34-3 loss to Philadelphia, Roethlisberger came out aggressive. He attacked a secondary that recorded six interceptions against the Jets last week, beating man coverage on his way to his 47th 300 yard passing game.
Le’Veon Bell crescendoed in his 2016 debut, starting as a slot receiver and finishing with a 44-yard burst down the left sideline. He finished with 178 total yards.
The Chiefs turned it over on two of their first three possessions, and didn’t effectively move the ball until the end of the first half. Jamaal Charles had two carries for seven yards in his debut.
Game Highlights
Jamaal Charles Made His Debut on KC’s Opening Drive
While it wasn’t quite as explosive as the gif would indicate, Charles did indeed return to the field for the first time in almost one year. Alex Smith tossed a swing pass his way but it was off target, and pass was incomplete. Chiefs punt on their opening drive.
Big Ben Went Deep on Pittsburgh’s First Play
Ben to Coates t.co/SjdaVocaHK
#Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and WR Sammie Coates have now connected on a play of 40-plus yards in each of the first 4 games of 2016.
Roethlisberger wasn’t afraid to test Marcus Peters early, and tried several deep passes on the opening drive. Le’Veon Bell also made his debut on the opening drive, and was effective lining up at wide receiver. But the momentum fizzled, and the Steelers punt it away.
Ware’s Fumble Sets Up Pittsburgh’s First TD
Spencer Ware pretty upset with his fumble
Spencer Ware fumbled on the Chiefs first play after the punt, giving the Steelers great field position. Roethlisberger only need three plays to find a wide-open Darius Heyward-Bey running a deep post, and then hit Markus Wheaton for a two-point conversion.
Pittsburgh Strikes Again on Both Ends
On the ensuing drive, Alex Smith gave it right back to the Steelers when a tipped pass fell into the arms of Jarvis Jones. Pittsburgh took over at the four yard line, and Roethlisberger hit Antonio Brown to put the Steelers up two scores early.
Antonio Brown’s First Two Receptions Are Touchdowns
Antonio Brown is ridiculous
Chiefs punt it back to Pittsburgh, and on the second play Roethlisberger launches a jumpball for Brown. It’s all Steelers after one quarter.
Roethlisberger’s 4th TD Pass of the First Half Went to Jesse James
It’s a Sunday night blowout at Heinz Field, as the Steelers put up 29 points in the first half and have nearly put the Chiefs to bed early. This drive was the longest of the night, a ten-play 80-yard march that ended with James in the back of the endzone.
Oh, and it’s starting to really pour. Kevin Greene’s ring ceremony is going to be damp.
Markus Wheaton Gets Another Steelers TD
Big Ben 🏈 —-> Wheaton
Touchdown! #KCvsPIT #TudoPelaNFL #EuVotoNaNFL
The Steelers continue to take chances down the field on this Chiefs secondary, and this time it’s Markus Wheaton getting behind the coverage for a 30-yard TD.
Tyreke Hill Makes Garbage Time Look Good
Bobbled… juggled… CAUGHT.
TD!
The @Chiefs are on the board! #KCvsPIT t.co/cHiCIyEGpv
#Chiefs are on the board. Tyreek Hill catches a 9-yard touchdown. That’s the offense’s second touchdown in 12 quarters
It took the Chiefs almost 50 minutes to score their first touchdown, but Tyreek Hill found a way to make it entertaining. Hill bobbled the pass near the goal line, eventually snagging it and spinning his way into the endzone to end the shutout.
Le’Veon Bell Put The Exclamation Point on His Return
Ok, he’s back, folks.
Incredible run by @L_Bell26! 👀 #KCvsPIT t.co/v62pTXXWlk
The Steelers have their sixth touchdown of the evening, thanks to a huge run by the newly reinstated Le’Veon Bell. Bell broke left tackle for 44 yards, setting up a DeAngelo Williams TD plow to finish the drive with 7:22 remaining.
Game Stats
Stats will be updated throughout the game
Chiefs
Passing: Alex Smith: 30/50, 282 yards, TD, INT
Rushing: Spencer Ware, 13 carries, 82 yards, fumble lost
Receiving: Chris Conley: 6 receptions, 70 yards
Steelers
Passing: Ben Roethlisberger: 22/27, 300 yards, 5 TD
Rushing: Le’Veon Bell: 18 carries, 144 yards
Receiving: Antonio Brown: 4 catches, 64 yards, 2 TD
Preview
Two of the best backs in football return for an AFC matchup in primetime.
Jamaal Charles is returning from an ACL injury, but he’ll make his 2016 debut tonight against the Steelers. Pittsburgh is welcoming back Le’Veon Bell, who was suspended for the first three games of the season. Expect to see plenty of Bell tonight, but less of Charles as he works his knee back to full strength.
Both teams are dealing with an unusually high amount of injuries after three weeks, and both teams will be without their best linebackers. Justin Houston has started the season on the PUP list for the Chiefs, while Ryan Shazier is one of seven Steelers that is ruled out for tonight.
On the outside, it’s one of the league’s best receivers against one of the top corners. Marcus Peters, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, already has four interceptions this season. Tonight he’ll line up across from Antonio Brown, who struggled last week but still led the NFL after three weeks with 40 targets.