Steelers Now
With the Los Angeles Chargers decimated on the offensive line, former NFL head coach Jon Gruden loves the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Chargers on Sunday night.
“I love the Pittsburgh Steelers in this one. I just think the injury to Joe Alt at left tackle cripples this team,” Gruden said on Barstool Sports’ The Pro Football Show. “You can’t get hit as much as Herbert’s getting hit. The Steelers are gonna pepper him. They have too many good rushers.”
This is certainly a favorable matchup for the Steelers’ defense, who are coming off five sacks and five takeaways in Sunday’s win over the Indianapolis. Overall, the Steelers had six takeaways when including the muffed punt by Josh Downs.
Late in the second quarter of last Sunday’s game, Chargers starting left tackle Joe Alt suffered an injury and had to be carted off the field. Following further evaluation, it was revealed that the star offensive lineman will be out for the rest of the season.
In 285 snaps on offense this season, Alt has allowed just one sack and been penalized once, per Pro Football Focus.
The Chargers are undefeated (4-0) when Alt starts and finishes a game this season. With him: 26.8 points per game and 37 pressures allowed and a108.8 passer rating. Without him, 20.3 PPG, 55 pressures allowed and a 87.3 passer rating.
With Alt sidelined, the Chargers will likely turn to veteran offensive tackle Austin Deculus, a sixth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Gruden also expects a Steelers Nation takeover at SoFi Stadium on Sunday night. Historically, Steelers fans always have a strong showing in Southern California.
“There’s gonna be more Steeler fans than you’ve ever seen in California. It’ll be like a road game for Herbert and Harbaugh,” Gruden said. “I love Aaron Rodgers. He’s playing consistent and I think they got a huge win and some confidence last week pulverizing the Colts. I’m with the Steelers, man.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Gruden Thinks Steelers Have One Big Advantage over Chargers
