Behind the Steel Curtain
The Steelers are back on Sunday Night Football this week, and they’re hoping for a better result as they take on the Chargers on the road in a big AFC matchup.
After defeating the Colts last week, the 5-3 Steelers are hoping to continue to establish their status as a legitimate threat in the conference. The Chargers, at 6-3, need to keep stacking wins in a competitive AFC West as they navigate offensive injuries that are piling up.
Rushing YPG: 124.0 (10th)
Passing YPG: 250.6 (6th)
PPG: 23.9 (17th)
RB: The Chargers offense is top 10 in both rushing and passing yards per game, but only 17th in points. That should tell you that it’s a dangerous unit, but not exactly some unstoppable force.
The biggest threat on the Los Angeles offense by far is Justin Herbert, one of the best at his position in the NFL and a rare athlete at his position.
We’ll get to Herbert’s passing ability in a bit, but what he can do as a runner often flies under the radar. Mike Tomlin even noted this week that the Steelers had an easier time defending him last year because Herbert lacked some mobility due to an injury.
Herbert actually has 305 rushing yards this season – just one behind his current career high – and the most of any NFL quarterback so far this season.
Herbert running more has been a stylistic shift in the offense, but also out of necessity given the injuries the Chargers have suffered at running back. Rookie first-rounder Omarion Hampton and free agent signing Najee Harris remain out with injuries, leaving 2024 sixth-rounder Kimani Vidal as the lead back at this point in the season.
Vidal has been fine so far, but he couldn’t create much when the Chargers offensive line struggled to create holes against the Titans last week.
The LA ground game is largely an in-between the tackles affair with a dose of gap runs, although Vidal has found success bouncing runs outside for chunk gains this year. Discipline will be important for the Steelers defense on Sunday.
The Chargers also use fullback/defensive lineman Scott Matlock quite a bit. Against the Titans last week, he saw 28 offensive snaps and three on defense per PFF. At 6’4, 289 pounds, he’s a people mover who the Chargers like to put in motion presnap. He can also serve as an extra pass protector (and he even caught a touchdown last week).
Like at running back, the Chargers have struggled with health on the offensive line. Starting left tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a season-ending injury in August, and starting right tackle (filling in at left) Joe Alt followed suit in the Chargers’ win last week with a season-ending ankle injury.
Now down their best two lineman – and free-agent guard Mekhi Becton also missed last week against the Titans – the Chargers’ O-line has devolved into one of the worst in the NFL....
