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JAMES HARRISON**

Outside Linebacker

The Kansas City Chiefs were supposed to be the team with the potential difference-making pass rush, but it turned out to be the Steelers who were the dominant defense in that respect.

During the 20-12 victory over the Chiefs at Heinz Field that clinched the Steelers' first playoff spot since 2011, the defense sacked Alex Smith six times for a combined 29 yards in losses. Jason Worilds would end up leading the Steelers with two, while James Harrison and Cam Heyward each contributed 1.5.

But in addition to his sacks, Harrison had seven tackles, including two for loss on running plays, one of which was a fourth-and-short in which he combined with Lawrence Timmons and Will Allen to stop Jamaal Charles short of the line to gain. And on top of what he contributed on the field, Harrison also provided a veteran presence that's always helpful in games with high stakes.

Harrison is the Steelers Digest Player of the Week.

Also considered were Worilds, who had three tackles in addition to his sacks; Heyward, who had four tackles and three hits on the quarterback in addition to his sacks; Timmons, who led the team with 13 tackles, including being part of the one for loss on the Charles' run on fourth down; Ben Roethlisberger, who completed 18-of-25 for 220 yards, with one touchdown, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 112.1; Antonio Brown, who had seven catches for 72 yards; Heath Miller, who had seven catches for 68 yards; Stephon Tuitt, who had three tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble; and Vince Williams, who had three tackles on defense and a fumble recovery, plus another three tackles on special teams.