After Further Review: No choice but to get over it

Dec 27, 2021 at 10:20 AM

Mike Prisuta

Steelers.com

It was just an observation from a play-by-play guy, so it shouldn't be accepted as definitive.

But since it was Jim Nantz of CBS, and since he was talking about the Steelers, its validity was worth considering.

"Physically, emotionally it's just not there."

Nantz offered that up after Byron Pringle caught a short pass from Patrick Mahomes, made Cam Sutton miss with one cutback and then eluded Minkah Fitzpatrick and Robert Spillane with another on the way to an all-too-easy, 16-yard, catch-and-run touchdown that, coupled with replacement kicker Elliott Fry's extra point, upped the Kansas City lead to 30-0 midway through the third quarter.

It ended at 36-10 on Sunday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium.

And it played out in a manner that suggested, as Nantz had maintained, the Steelers were physically and emotionally spent.

1 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

2 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

3 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

4 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden (23) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

5 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

6 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joe Schobert (93) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

7 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

8 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joe Schobert (93) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

9 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Arthur Maulet (35) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

10 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds (34) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

11 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

12 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

13 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

14 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

15 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (25) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

16 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

17 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

18 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

19 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Tre Norwood (21) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

20 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Justin Layne (31) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

21 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

22 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

23 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

24 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds (34) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

25 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

26 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

27 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

28 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

29 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

30 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Taco Charlton (98) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

31 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Derrek Tuszka (48) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

32 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

33 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

34 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

35 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

36 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

37 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

38 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

39 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

40 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

41 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

42 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

43 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers center Kendrick Green (53) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

44 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

45 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

46 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

47 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (10) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

48 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

49 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

50 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

51 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

52 / 166

The Pittsburgh Steelers during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

53 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

54 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

55 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

56 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

57 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

58 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

59 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

60 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

61 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

62 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor (76) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

63 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

64 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

65 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

66 / 166

The Pittsburgh Steelers during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

67 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

68 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

69 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

70 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

71 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

72 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

73 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

74 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

75 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

76 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

77 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

78 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

79 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

80 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

81 / 166

The Pittsburgh Steelers during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

82 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

83 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

84 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ulysees Gilbert III (54) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

85 / 166

The Pittsburgh Steelers during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

86 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

87 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

88 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

89 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

90 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

91 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

92 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

93 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

94 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

95 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

96 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver Coach Ike Hilliard during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

97 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane (41), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Tre Norwood (21) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joe Schobert (93) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

98 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

99 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joe Schobert (93) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

100 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

101 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

102 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

103 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

104 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

105 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

106 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

107 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

108 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

109 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

110 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

111 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (25) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

112 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

113 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers guard Trai Turner (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

114 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

115 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

116 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

117 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

118 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

119 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

120 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

121 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

122 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

123 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Kevin Rader (87) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

124 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

125 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Coach Mike Sullivan during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

126 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

127 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Joe Haeg (71) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

128 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

129 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

130 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

131 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

132 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

133 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

134 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

135 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Benny Snell Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

136 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

137 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

138 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

139 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

140 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) and Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz (46) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

141 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

142 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

143 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Arthur Maulet (35) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (57) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

144 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

145 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (57) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

146 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

147 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Cody White (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

148 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

149 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

150 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

151 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

152 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

153 / 166

The Pittsburgh Steelers during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

154 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers center J.C. Hassenauer (60) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

155 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle John Leglue (77) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

156 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

157 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) and Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (10) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

158 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

159 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

160 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

161 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Denny Medley / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

162 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

163 / 166

Denny Medley/Pittsburgh Steelers

164 / 166

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Kansas City, MO. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

165 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

166 / 166

Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

Advertising

This Ad will close in 3

That's why the Steelers' response was compelling, as well.

It came too late to avoid a fourth consecutive loss on the road in which at least 36 points had been surrendered, too late to prevent the Steelers from falling to 7-7-1 on the season, and too late to maintain the No. 7 position in the AFC playoff standings (the last Wild Card spot) the Steelers had actually occupied briefly on Sunday in the wake of losses by the Ravens and Chargers.

But it was nonetheless delivered, and most emphatically by a locker room voice that commands attention and respect.

"Excuse my language, but I ain't accepting (expletive)," Cam Heyward announced.

There's no reason anyone else should, either.

What happened to the Steelers at Arrowhead wasn't atypical.

There's a reason the venue has hosted the last three AFC Championship Games in succession.

The Steelers' contributions to the game getting out of hand as quickly as it did included Heyward jumping offside on an early third-and-11 in the red zone, Robert Spillane coming downhill unblocked and then missing the tackle on what became a Clyde Edwards-Helaire touchdown run, Ben Roethlisberger floating a pass under duress over Ray-Ray McCloud on a flea-flicker that turned into an interception, and Diontae Johnson catching a pass that secured a first down and then dropping the ball in the open field (there was no forced fumble by the Chiefs' defense, just a fumble recovery).

That's not who those guys are individually any more than the "shellacking" (Heyward's characterization) absorbed at the hands of the team that has represented the AFC in the last two Super Bowls is reflective of who the Steelers are collectively.

It was in relation to a game at Arrowhead against the Chiefs in Week 16.

But defining for the visitors?

Their body of work maintains otherwise.

And the Steelers still have two regular-season games remaining to confirm as much while letting the playoff chips fall where they may.

"I'm not ready to throw in no damn towel," Heyward continued.

There was also this from Fitzpatrick when the subject of maintaining confidence in the wake of what transpired in Kansas City was raised: "I know I haven't lost my confidence. I'm a professional football player. We go out there and compete. I don't think anyone has lost confidence."

There's no reason anyone should have given the final two regular-season games are against teams the Steelers have already beaten.

Their margin for error may be thin. And they ought to know by now they can't turn the ball over, they can't allow four red zone touchdowns on five red zone possessions against the other team's varsity offense, and that they've gotta do something significant to win in the kicking game.

But they've done all of those things previously, albeit not consistently enough.

And the emotional tank, even if as empty as Nantz observed, may not be as difficult to replenish as 36-10 suggested.

"We might be young enough that it doesn't sink in, in a good way, if that makes sense," Roethlisberger offered.

What should sink in is apparently what did.

It's not where they are now that matters.

It's not the sting of how things played out against the Chiefs.

It's where they go from here.

After Further Review: No choice but to get over it

GAME PHOTOS: Week 16 at Kansas City Chiefs

Related Content

After further review: They were who they'd been against the Bills

After further review: 'Even Isaac was smiling'

After further review: 'We feel like we belong'

After further review: Attack mode delivers against Cincy

After further review: The one the Colts took away

After further review: 'We'll bounce back from it'

After further review: 'No doubt about it'

After further review: Two can play at that game

After further review: 'Get in there and make a play for us, baby'

After further review: Potential on display in latest comeback

After Further Review: 'This team is so relentless'

After Further Review: In the eye of the beholder