Overloaded with newcomers, neither Pittsburgh nor Kansas City figured to be riding this high this early.
The Steelers had seven key players depart through trades or free agency, and the Chiefs redesigned their defense and retooled virtually their entire offense. Launching the season with 12 new starters, including quarterback, tight end and both wide receivers and tackles, a painful period of adjustment seemed in order.Yet at the halfway point, both teams are 6-2 and contending as usual in the AFC.
Pittsburgh, fueled by the power running of Jerome Bettis and first-he's-cold-then-he's-hot Kordell Stewart at quarterback, brings a five-game winning streak into noisy Arrowhead Stadium tonight.
Kansas City is 6-1 since a 19-3 loss at Denver in the season opener.
Quarterback Elvis Grbac and a group of new receivers, most notably the rejuvenated Andre Rison, have given the Chiefs a dangerous passing attack to help make up for a disappointing running game.
"They're not a flashy football team, but they get the job done by throwing the ball to Rison and running the ball," said Bettis, who ran for 103 yards last year in Pittsburgh's 17-7 Monday night victory in Kansas City.
"I think they're a lot like we are. They do things consistently and they do what they have to do to win."
The Steelers' 6-2 record is even more remarkable considering how their defense has struggled.
"We're slowly getting better, but we still have a ways to go," safety Darren Perry said. "The more we play together, the better we're going to get. It's just taken longer than we expected."
The Chiefs' running game ranks 12th in the NFL and averaged just 3.2 yards per carry in the last three games, uncharacteristic for a team coached by Marty Schottenheimer.
Running back Greg Hill, despite occasional flashes, has failed to establish himself. Marcus Allen remains as good in short-yardage situations as anybody. But at 37, it's asking a lot to have him carry the brunt of the load.
"If we can't run the ball against them, then we're in trouble," Schottenheimer said.