Chiefs lead Steelers 10-0 early in 2nd quarter

(AP) Chiefs lead Steelers 10-0 early in 2nd quarter
PITTSBURGH
Jamaal Charles’ 12-yard touchdown run gave Kansas City its first lead during regulation this season, and the upset-minded Chiefs led the Pittsburgh Steelers 10-0 early in the second quarter on Monday night.

Charles capped a four-play drive that went 70 yards on the second possession of the game for Kansas City (1-7), which began the day with a five-game losing streak. Matt Cassel hit Tony Moeaki for a 38-yard pass that got the Chiefs to the Pittsburgh 25. Two plays later, Charles scored.

Isaac Redman’s fumble set up Ryan Succop’s 22-yard field goal at the beginning of the second that made it 10-0.

Led by Charles’ eight carries for 49 yards, the Chiefs held a 117-46 advantage in total yards after the first. Cassel, in for the injured Brady Quinn (concussion), was 3 for 4 for 57 yards through one period.

Pittsburgh was limited to two first downs and 29 total yards in its first two possessions, each of which resulted in a punt on a windy, chilly and rainy night at Heinz Field. Redman fumbled at the Pittsburgh 11 on the Steelers’ third possession.

Ben Roethlisberger was 4 for 8 for 40 yards in the opening quarter, and Redman had 6 rushing yards on three carries for Pittsburgh.

The Steelers (5-3) have won three consecutive games and would move within a game of AFC North leader Baltimore with a victory Monday night. Pittsburgh hosts the Ravens (7-2) next Sunday night.

Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley is facing Kansas City for the first time since being fired as head coach of the Chiefs late last season.

Led by Charles, Kansas City boasts the AFC’s best rushing offense (149.9 yards per game) but is 15th in passing in the conference.

Cassel has thrown 11 interceptions in only 142 pass attempts this season _ seven more than Roethlisberger has in more than twice as many passes.

The Chiefs have 29 turnovers _ by far the most in the NFL. The Steelers have only had only eight turnovers.

As it has been for the past five weeks, Pittsburgh was without All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu due to a calf injury. Also inactive for the Steelers were wide receiver Antonio Brown (ankle), running back Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) and starting right tackle Marcus Gilbert (ankle).

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