PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive meeting rooms didn't need fierce and frantic pep talks this week. Todd Haley said the players' "faces said it all" while trying to process the aftermath of a 31-point beatdown by the Philadelphia Eagles.
But the Steelers offensive coordinator said these losses can have a lasting impact because they bring to light a few minor issues that were masked by a 2-0 start.
"When you have a game like that, it better be a wake-up call," Haley said. "When you win, a lot of times you let some things slide or out of the way that you think are OK because you're winning. ... When you get slapped around like that, I think guys want to figure out, 'Hey, how do we get better so it doesn't happen again?'"
Haley said the Steelers offense didn't play that poorly in the first half. Finishing drives was an issue. But he noticed players were pressing, which he admires because "they care" but it didn't exhibit trust in teammates.
The Steelers won't reveal the game plan for Sunday night's game against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs. But from the locker room to the practice field, players look eager to get there.
Guard David DeCastro said the Eagles game film -- in which a good offensive line could pave the way for only 29 rushing yards -- made him "frustrated and angry" but ultimately numb to the result after Monday.
"After that it was a new day," DeCastro said.
Here are a few other notes about the Steelers offense.
When Haley was asked about his No. 2 receiver, the first player he mentioned was Sammie Coates "making strides," but the role seems undefined overall.
Markus Wheaton, who struggled with multiple drops last week, had a great day of practice Thursday, Haley said.
The Steelers have so much respect for Chiefs corner Marcus Peters that they might scheme away from his left side of the field on occasion. Peters "tracks [the ball] like a receiver," Haley said.
The Steelers released running back Daryl Richardson to make room for Le'Veon Bell's roster spot. The team will carry three tailbacks into Sunday.
Second-year undrafted guard B.J. Finney is a candidate to replace injured Ramon Foster in the starting lineup. Left tackle Alejandro Villanueva said Finney has "mastered" blocking the bull rush. One of the best he's seen at it. "Really, really strong back," Villanueva said. Well, there you go.
