Pittsburgh Steelers: 4 keys to a win over the Los Angeles Chargers

Pittsburgh Steelers: 4 keys to a win over the Chargers

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 08: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a 2 yard touchdown run during the first quarter in the game against the Carolina Panthers at Heinz Field on November 8, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

5 of 5

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 04: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs with the ball in the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 04, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Shut down the running game

Without Melvin Gordon, the Chargers are going to rely on Phillip Rivers a lot. They’ll try to get Austin Ekkeler involved early, which is where Pittsburgh needs to take advantage.

Put this game on the back of Rivers. If the Steelers can shut down the run game early, they’ll make this team one dimensional. Rivers is clearly a player who can control a game by himself, but it’s better to take that chance than give the Chargers a two dimensional offense.

Shutting down the run game gives Pittsburgh the upper hand all afternoon. Not having to face Melvin Gordon is a blessing. They need to take advantage of that and control this game on both ends of the ball.

Next. Do the Steelers consider drafting a RB?. dark

Even if they can’t stop Rivers completely, not having a running game to rely on puts a lot more pressure on the quarterback.

Home/Steelers News