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Answers to the Steelers five burning questions after week 6 vs. the Chargers

By Edward Hunt

CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 13: Devlin Hodges #6 of the Pittsburgh Steelers comes onto the field before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park October 13, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 13: Devlin Hodges #6 of the Pittsburgh Steelers comes onto the field before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park October 13, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 24: Wide receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hauls in a 24 yard pass in front of cornerback Artie Burns #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of a game on September 24, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 24: Wide receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hauls in a 24 yard pass in front of cornerback Artie Burns #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of a game on September 24, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Will Artie Burns play this week?

Steven Nelson was downgraded to out on Saturday and that was due to a groin injury. He was limited all week and it looked like he might play. After Friday’s practice, they had him listed as questionable; so, there was a chance he would play.

Artie Burns started on the outside opposite Joe Haden. He did get burned by Mike Williams but was saved by good tackling. I thought he held his own through the first three quarters. I wasn’t expecting him to dominate, just to contain. Mike Williams had a good game but was injured with the last two minutes to go so he wasn’t the sword that killed the Steelers.

Artie Burns did have an illegal use of hands penalty in the fourth quarter. That was a bad time for that. He also could have done a better job forcing Hunter Henry out on the Charger’s first touchdown as well. But he played well enough to win and that is all that matters.

Will the Steelers be able to stop Joey Bosa?

Joey Bosa was not a huge factor in the game. I credit Matt Feiler with keeping him in check. He didn’t have any sacks and that is a victory for Matt Feiler. He also didn’t have any key pressures as well. I think this was a hidden victory for this game.

According to Pro Football Reference, the Joey Bosa had three total sacks on the season. He was due for a sack tonight but did not accomplish that.

The Steelers got a great game from their offensive line and they needed it. Their offensive line has disappointed thus far until this game. Matt Feiler had a great game, but so did the interior guys like Pouncey and Decastro. I know Pouncey had a bad snap, but the blocking was great.

Conclusion

The Black & Gold notched a win when they needed to. They were full of injuries and suffered more during the game. Even Mike Tomlin acknowledged that this team needs a bye week to get healthy.

I thought Devlin Hodges proved to be a solid backup in this game. He didn’t win the game but didn’t lose it either. He didn’t turn the ball over more than once and that is a welcome sight.

The Steelers will need to get healthy this week and then play well against Miami to get back to 3-4. That could propel this team as they hopefully will get healthier for their week nine matchup versus the Colts.

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