3 Steelers X-factors for week six game against the Chargers

Steelers secondary

It is hard to put all the pressure on one defensive back in particular with the weapons the Chargers have. The entire secondary will need to play sound football against a very good pass attack with Phillip Rivers and his receivers.

In 2018, the Steelers allowed Keenan Allen to torture them for 14 catches on 19 targets for 148 yards and a touchdown. The Steelers deployed almost every member of the linebacker and defensive back rooms to slow him down to no avail.

This year, the Steelers are better equipped to handle Allen and the rest of that offense. The secondary will need to be on their game and ready to move around and stick to their assignments with tight coverage.

In 2018, the Steelers defense let six different Chargers players have plays of 10 or more yards, including a 46-yard touchdown for Travis Benjamin. This season, they cannot afford to give up the splash plays and need to limit the Chargers’ time of possession.

The Chargers have the fifth-ranked pass offense heading into this week’s game, and the Steelers counter that with the twelfth ranked pass defense. The Steelers are also tied for the league lead in turnovers and fourth in interceptions.

The secondary needs to key in on Keenan Allen first, but everyone needs to do their jobs. This secondary has the talent when fully healthy to minimize opponent passing damage.