Ask non-Chiefs fans about them winning close games, and they’ll say – the Chiefs are barely scraping by. Ask Russell Wilson, and he goes, “I think a lot of NFL games are always close.” Buckle up, folks—we’re in for a ride as two of the league’s top QBs face off on Christmas. With Week 17 knocking on the door, the Steelers gear up to host the Chiefs at Acrisure Stadium. Believe it or not, this is one of those games everyone’s been waiting to see. Yeah, we know that Andy Reid‘s offensive lineup is struggling. But their defense, can the Steelers offense handle them? Russell Wilson knows it will be a tough battle, so he’s got a message for his guys before the game.
Patrick Mahomes squad, after conquering the AFC West, has their eyes fixed on the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. This season, they’ve been all about ‘they came, they play, they win, they go.’ And that’s exactly why Russell Wilson had to issue a serious warning to his offensive lineup. Speaking about the Chiefs’ defense, the former Seahawks QB said, “They don’t give up much. They do a really good job. They’re one of the top defenses in the national football. We’ve got to be ready for our best game.”
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Talking about the Chiefs’ defense, Wilson credited DC Steve Spagnuolo. “Yeah, I think Spag is one of the all-time great defensive coordinators. You know, you think about things he’s been able to do. I have so much regard for him. You know, I’ve gone against him a lot of the years,” said Wilson. The last time the Steelers and Chiefs faced off was back in 2022 when the Chiefs defeated the Kenny Pickett-led squad with a massive 42-21 win in the AFC Wild Card game.
The defending champions might have defeated the Steelers the last time they met, but the overall Steelers vs. Chiefs record tells a different story. Mike Tomlin’s squad has won 23 out of the 37 times they’ve faced Andy Reid’s team. And that’s why the Chiefs‘ OC has given a heads-up to Patrick Mahomes and Co. as they prepare to face Russell Wilson and the Steelers.
Chiefs well aware of the Russell Wilson threat
Wilson, who had a slow start to the season following a calf injury he suffered during training camp before preseason, made a strong comeback. At first, there were even talks that Justin Fields could replace the nine-time Pro Bowl champion. Wilson made his comeback as the starting QB in Week 7 against the Jets, scoring touchdowns and racking up 264 yards. Since then, he has scored 15 touchdowns and accumulated 2,129 yards in ten games so far.
While the Steelers’ QB knows about the Chiefs’ OC’s game plan, Spagnuolo warns his team against Russell Wilson. You should know your enemies well, and it seems like both the Chiefs and Steelers know each other quite well. The Chiefs’ OC knows that Wilson is a player of great caliber. And the 65-year-old is making sure his team is ready for him. “Listen, first of all, that quarterback. We know what he’s been all about, he’s all about making big plays. He loves to chuck the ball deep. He’s got guys and he’s got a lot of confidence in them to go up and get it. We have to be on point back there,“ said Spag.
Spagnuolo knows the team has to bring A-game to win this one against Wilson. While all of you will be enjoying Christmas cake with your loved ones, Acrisure Stadium will be on fire this Christmas. Both teams have clinched a playoff spot, but it’s more important for Mike Tomlin‘s guys to win this one. Lamar Jackson’s Ravens are right on their tail. With the Ravens also having 10 wins in their column, there’s a serious threat to the Steelers’ No. 1 spot in the division. With only two more games left before the playoffs, the pressure to lock the divisional win is insane.
So let’s see if the Steelers can pull ahead with another win and become the second team to beat the Chiefs this season. Whatever happens, it’s going to be one action-packed game full of entertainment.
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Can Russell Wilson outsmart the Chiefs' defense, or will Mahomes and Co. reign supreme again?
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Can Russell Wilson outsmart the Chiefs' defense, or will Mahomes and Co. reign supreme again?
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