Steelers look for fresh start against Chiefs
PITTSBURGH — The previous time the Pittsburgh Steelers faced an Andy Reid-inspired offense, things didn’t go so well.
At least, not for the Steelers.
Thankfully the memories are fresh. Too fresh for some.
Perhaps the best thing the Steelers can say about the 34-3 embarrassment at the hands of the Reid disciple Doug Pederson and the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday is that it’s over.
“That’s last week,” Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. “We’re not looking back, we’re going forward.”
With a familiar face ready to pitch in.
Running back Le’Veon Bell returns from a three-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, giving an offense that looked like one of the league’s best before its pratfall on the other side of Pennsylvania another versatile weapon as it prepares for Kansas City.
“I’m pretty sure they’re going to utilize me, move me around a little bit,” said Bell, who hasn’t played since tearing the MCL in his right knee last November against Kansas City.
Bell might not be the only high-profile back ready to run through the tunnel following a long layoff.
Chiefs star Jamaal Charles is close to completing his nearly yearlong comeback from a torn ACL in his right knee.
While Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West have filled in capably this season for the Chiefs (2-1), Charles — like Bell — is a unique talent .
That might be an issue for the Steelers, who watched Eagles rookie quarterback Carson Wentz spend three hours expertly picking them apart with a series of screens and underneath routes that Pederson — a former player and assistant under Reid — might as well have photocopied out of his mentor’s playbook.
And Pederson’s old boss noticed.
“Yeah, they did do a nice job, and they did some good things in there,” Reid said. “Every week is different, but it’s obviously the same offense or similar to, so that’s a positive.”
Something to look for as the Chiefs try for their first victory in Pittsburgh since 1986.
