5 hardest Steelers games after NFL 2021 schedule release
By Andrew Falce
Los Angeles Chargers (Week 11)
On paper, this is a game that should actually favor the Steelers, as the Chargers weren’t anything special last year. That said, the team significantly invested in improving their offensive line this offseason and have a blossoming superstar in Justin Herbert at the helm. This offense has the chance to be deadly this year as Herbert takes another step forward in developing into one of the best players in the league.
Underrated on the Chargers is the improvements their defense made last season. The team was only average in stopping the run, but the secondary made enough of a jump to put them in the top ten in terms of stopping the pass. Add in rookie Asante Samuel Jr. now entering the fold and this secondary could improve even more.
With the offense likely taking a step forward and the passing defense in theory improved, this Chargers team could become one of the top competitors in the league. Don’t be surprised if they go on an early tear and place themselves in the conversation as one of the top teams in the AFC. For a Steelers team that still has a lot of questions to answer, the Chargers could pose a bigger threat than most may expect them to. Add in the travel time as this is a road game and this seems like a tough game for the Steelers.