Chiefs Shock Steelers In OT, 27-24

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Chris Chambers scurries down the sideline to set up the winning field goal in overtime against the World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

By James Sullivan

Chiefs Coalition Columnist

     It started with a bang and ended with a boot.  From beginning to end the Kansas City Chiefs, 27-24, overtime victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers was a thrill ride.

     Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles got the game started by returning the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown.  It gave this team, searching for it's identity, the fuel it needed to play with the defending World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

     This game was unlike the Chiefs previous two wins this season, it came at home in front of a desperate group of fans that has only been able to enjoy only one home win in over the last two calender years.  Arrowhead Stadium was once again filled with the sounds of Chief fans making themselves hoarse in support of their team.

      "It’s nice to get a little reward against a team like that," said Chiefs head coach Todd Haley.   "I thought the guys really showed heart and guts."

     It was a total team effort by the Chiefs which earned them their third victory of the season. Linebacker Andy Studebaker playing for the injured Mike Vrabel had the best game of his young career.  He was credited with half a sack and had two interceptions.  One he nearly returned for a touchdown as the Steelers were deep in Chiefs territory. 

     The Chiefs defense forced three turnovers on the day.  Corner back Brandon Flowers had a brilliant strip and recovery after Pittsburgh wide receiver Mike Wallace beat him for a long reception.  A fumble by Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel was the lone Chiefs turnover in the game.

     Trailing by 10 points at halftime the Chiefs didn't crumble.   In the second half instead they found a rhythm in the passing game that has been rarely on display this season.  Cassel connected with tight end Leonard Pope and Charles for touchdowns in the second half.

     Rookie kicker Ryan Succop added two field goals, including the game winner in overtime.  In addition to his field goals Succop also blasted several kickoffs for the Chiefs.  

     The Chiefs truly relied on all three phases of the game to earn their third victory of the season surpassing last season's total with six games to left to play. By beating the Steelers, the Chiefs have served notice to their remaining opponents that this team will play tough and fight hard for a win.

     The quitters and malcontents have been shown the door.  If you're not part of the solution then you're part of the problem.  This team has shown a greater sense of themselves since former Chiefs running back Larry Johnson was suspended and then released.

     If the the team's star doesn't show the desire or buy into what the head coach is selling how will the rest of the team?

     With Johnson gone, this team is coming together and playing for each other.  They are slowly finding their way, week by week, towards becoming what Haley envisions them as.

     Another player who had all but disappeared from the field showed up in a big way against the Steelers.  Linebacker Derrick Johnson made a highlight reel sack of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.  If he can continue his positive contributions the defense will continue to improve.

     This win while great for the franchise won't solve all the Chiefs problems.  Their offensive line still has a long way to go, along with their pass rush and the void in the middle of the secondary at the safety position. 

     What this win did do for the Chiefs is show the rest of the NFL that despite their many shortcomings this is a team that will play hard and fight for a win.  A corner was turned by a young and hungry football team Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium against the defending world champions. 

yahoosports.com, kcchiefs.com and Getty Images contributed to this story