5 things to watch as Steelers host Chargers
The Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) will finally get their home opener of the 2024 NFL regular season on Sunday, hosting the Los Angeles Chargers (2-0). Both teams sit on top of their respective divisions in the AFC. There are five key things to watch for from the Steelers in this Week 3 matchup.
The Steelers’ offensive line
It’s no secret that Pittsburgh is still trying to find the right, healthy combination of personnel to place on their offensive line. With Zach Frazier solid at center, the shuffle has mainly been at guard and tackle.
Broderick Jones has struggled over the past two games with penalties and a decline in play that has had fans frustrated, opening the door for Troy Fautanu. Whether Fautanu or Jones are prepared for Khalil Mack is unknown. We likely won’t have an answer until game day.
Jones’s decline may have a psychological component to it as the team moved him from the right to the left and back this year. If Jones gets snaps, he’ll need to play cleanly as opposed to negating big plays as he did in Week 2.
#Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he'll give Broderick Jones an opportunity to rebound. But said practice will determine that. Said Troy Fautanu had been "lighting it up."
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) September 17, 2024
On the other end, the Steelers have been without Isaac Seumalo, who’s working his way back from injury, leaving Spencer Anderson paired with Dan Moore. They’ll have their hands full with Joey Bosa who showed up on the injury report with a hip injury but is expected to be ready to go on Sunday.
Through two weeks, the Chargers’ defensive front has bullied their opponents to the tune of six sacks, eight quarterback hits, and seven tackles for a loss. Their stout play up front has created a forced (and recovered) fumble and two interceptions.
The Steelers’ run defense
Inside linebacker Patrick Queen said, this week, that he’s looking forward to hearing “Renegade” played at Acrisure Stadium. Here’s hoping he’s ready to channel that energy from kickoff, though, because he’ll play a key role in helping eliminate, or at least limit, the two-headed rushing duo of J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards.
.@Patrickqueen_ is ready for Renegade on Sunday 🙌 pic.twitter.com/sBqeo48Rwq
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 19, 2024
As we outlined in our scouting report, the most dangerous aspect of the Chargers offense is the run game.
Queen won’t be alone in being asked to get the job done limiting big yards from the Chargers on the ground.
The defensive line will need to work as a unit and continue to communicate with members of the defensive interior if they want to be successful and adapt as the game unfolds.
The Steelers’ receiving game
Someone other than George Pickens needs to step up among the receivers group this week. The passing game hasn’t been the primary focus under Arthur Smith yet this season but, when a pass is needed, it would give the Steelers offense an edge if Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, or Calvin Austin could get separation and make some plays.
“This (season) is so long, it’s really like four lifetimes in an NFL season. It really is… It’s a constant work in progress. We’ll get there.” – Arthur Smith
This would be a great week to unleash the tight ends in more multiple sets. MyCole Pruitt suffered an injury, resulting in Rodney Williams being elevated to the active roster. Pat Freiermuth has yet to get a breakout game this season, but he’s primed for one. Watch for the tight ends to give Justin Fields more targets across the field.
The Steelers’ run game
With Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, and Cordarrelle Patterson all active, the secret to success against the Chargers may be getting creative with the run game. The Chargers defensive front is formidable, so simply chipping away at them may not do much more than help manage the game clock.
If Pittsburgh can establish a ground game that gains more than a couple yards per play, plays through the air will open up.
The Chargers’ defensive backfield hasn’t truly been tested yet this season, but the Steelers have the capability and talent to do so if they can prevent themselves from being forced to be one-dimensional offensively.
Getting to the quarterback
Justin Herbert finished Week 2’s game hobbled by an ankle injury. Expected to be on the field on Sunday despite not practicing Wednesday and showing up Thursday heavily taped-up and not drilling, Herbert could end up a game-day scratch… or not.
L.A. head coach Jim Harbaugh told the media that if Herbert can’t go, it will be Easton Stick that will get the start over Taylor Heinicke.
The Chargers aren’t quite the threat, offensively, through the air as they are on the ground, but the best way to shut it all down will be Pittsburgh applying pressure on whomever is in at QB.
While T.J. Watt draws attention, this week might be an opportunity for Alex Highsmith to bully his way into the offensive backfield. If Teryl Austin can dial up some good, mixed pressure without giving up on good backside coverage, Steelers fans may see some explosive plays.
