Steelers Should Survive Polamalu's Absence This Week

Pittsburgh has several easy games on the schedule over the final seven weeks of the season, but it's hard to think of a better week for strong safety Troy Polamalu to miss than this week's game against the Chiefs.

Polamalu will miss the game with a knee injury, although the Steelers are saying he should be back before too long. But even without Polamalu, the Steelers' secondary should be able to handle the Chiefs.

Kansas City is without wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, who was suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug rules. Without Bowe, Kansas City lacks a viable No. 1 or No. 2 receiver. Chris Chambers, who becomes the team's No. 1 receiver, has only been a Chief for three weeks--he was picked up off the waiver wire when San Diego waived him. No. 2 receiver Lance Long was promoted to the active roster until three weeks ago as well. Tight end Sean Ryan is a true journeyman--he's playing for his fourth team in the past two years.

In other words, if there was ever an offense that is tailor-made for Dick LeBeau's defense, the Chiefs would appear to be the team. The playbook can't get too complicated because the players are either inexperienced (Long) or too new to the club. The Steelers start every game defensively by trying to make their opponent one dimensional by shutting down their running game--they are No. 1 in the league against the run.

If Pittsburgh can do that again on Sunday, it's hard to believe that the Chiefs' passing game will be able to consistently outsmart LeBeau's D even if Polamalu is standing on the sideline in sweats.