COLLEGE BUDDIES: Jones starred at Oklahoma with Chiefs offensive tackle Donald Stephenson,
China NFL Jerseys, cornerback Jamell Flemming and long snapper James Winchester. Brown played for Central Michigan at the same time as Chiefs offensive tackle Eric Fisher and linebacker Frank Zombo.
"That was really exciting. Not only for us but for Landry," Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown said. "He showed amazing growth, amazing poise."
UNFRIENDLY ARROWHEAD: The Chiefs have lost both of their home games,
Air Max 97 Silver Bullet For Sale, the first on a fumble returned for a touchdown in the closing minutes against Denver, and the second on a last-minute touchdown reception by Matt Forte of the Bears. "It's a hostile environment," Tomlin said, "(but) we will have a great opportunity to be ready to deal with that."
"We focus not on the guys that aren't playing, but the guys that are," Tomlin said. "We won't spend a bunch of time lamenting about the loss of Kelvin Beachum or whether or not Ben or Mike are available. We are going to spend our time talking about putting (offensive tackle) Alejandro Villanueva in a position to perform, or how to accentuate the talents of Landry."
The Steelers (4-2) have so far been able to do just that.
It was precisely the kind of gritty performance that has become a Steelers hallmark.
TURNOVER TALES: The Steelers are tied for first in turnover differential at plus-6, with nine takeaways this season. The Chiefs are minus-2 in that category.
"It's tough, obviously, because of the type of player he is," Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith said. "He's a guy the defense is always worried about, run and pass. He's tough and he's tough to replace. We have to make some changes, guys have got to step up and we got to go."
Making matters worse, the Chiefs could be without leading wide receiver Jeremy Maclin this week due to a concussion. On defense, linebackers Tamba Hali, Justin Wilson and Ramik Wilson are all banged-up, and defensive tackle Mike DeVito is dealing with a concussion.
MORE INJURY WOES: Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt is dealing with a knee injury and may be unable to go. "We'll leave the light on for Stephon," Tomlin said. "If he is able to protect himself and be productive, we'll give him an opportunity."
Roethlisberger has been practicing but is still unlikely to play as he recovers from a knee injury, and Vick is sidelined by a hamstring injury. But in their place a week ago, Jones threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns in leading Pittsburgh to a 25-13 win over Arizona.
As the Steelers and Chiefs personify "next man up," here are some other keys to remember:
The Steelers head to Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday in search of their third straight win, and their fifth victory in sixth games. Third-string quarterback Landry Jones is expected to get his first start, and a plethora of other backups are also expected to play significant minutes.
Even more guys are missing on the defensive side.
The Chiefs (1-5) are trying to do the same thing. So far, they've had less success.
Charles had surgery Tuesday to repair the ACL in his right knee, leaving the Chiefs without their biggest playmaker for the rest of the season. Without him they were nearly shut out in Minnesota a week ago