There is no such thing as rest for the weary in the NFL. And that is certainly the case for the Steelers, who returned to the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex Sunday, less than 24 hours after a 34-17 loss at Baltimore on Saturday.
With a Christmas Day matchup with the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs upcoming in just a few days, head coach Mike Tomlin and his staff have to figure out a way to end a two-game losing streak and keep their hopes of winning the AFC North title alive.
“There’s a reason why they’re pursuing their third-straight championship,” Tomlin said. “You see it when you watch their video. … This is a three phase outfit, and that’s why they’re 14-1. They’ve been in a lot of close ball games, but good teams find a way to win those games, and they’ve done so really consistently, and I just think it reflects who they are. And so we are working on a short week, but we’re working with an edge.
“We’re honored and excited about competing on Christmas and being a part of that, but we’re also excited about being in a big game against a really good team in our home venue and getting back to the business. And obviously our business is winning.”
The Steelers (10-5) would like to get back to that. After playing four of their past five games on the road and going 2-3 in that stretch, the Steelers will be glad to be finishing off the regular season with a pair of home games, even if it is on another short week.
Despite their recent stumbles, the Steelers have already clinched a spot in the AFC playoffs, while the Chiefs are vying to the No. 1-overall seed in the AFC.
But Saturday’s loss to the Ravens allowed Baltimore to pull into a tie with the Steelers atop the AFC North standings. However, if the Steelers win their final two games, they’ll assure themselves of the AFC North title and another home game in the postseason.
Beating Kansas City and quarterback Patrick Mahomes would be one step in…
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