A banged-up Steelers will look to get back in the win column against the Chargers, and here are four questions the team will have to answer in order to win.
The Steelers had one of their most disappointing games against the league’s worst team in the Lions last week. Now, the team has suffered even more injuries and COVID derailments, as they prepare to face off against a talented Chargers team. This week won’t be easy, no matter who the team ends up being able to field. Here are four key questions the Steelers will have to answer to beat the Chargers.
Can the Steelers line beat up on the Chargers defensive line?
While the Steelers are banged up entering this week, the Chargers are also not in a great position in terms of the health of their team. Both of their lead pass rushers, Jerry Tillery and Joey Bosa are on the COVID list and are likely to miss this bout. Even if Bosa plays, it will be after a week of not practicing which may limit him. This means that the Chargers’ best pass rusher is reserve linebacker Kyler Fackrell. With the newness and lack of star power now on the Chargers line, the Steelers need to exploit this.
For starters, in terms of pass defense, the Steelers line should be able to provide ample time for whatever quarterback ends up starting for the team. Beyond just that, this line isn’t great against the run. With it now being weaker, the team should be able to run all over the Chargers’ defense. If the Steelers want to have any chance of winning, the line will have to show up in a major way and take control of this game.
Can Steelers’ run defense show up?
One of the biggest issues that the Steelers saw during their tie to the Lions was the fact that their run defense couldn’t stop anything. D’Andre Swift and company were regularly gashing this defense, and as a result, the team could never truly pull away and secure a win. The Chargers aren’t a premiere running team by any means, but neither were the Lions, and Austin Ekeler has proven to be a capable running back.
The Steelers need to scheme around stopping the run this week. They can’t allow the Chargers to beat them on the ground. While their passing game is equally talented (more on that soon), the team tied the Lions because of the fact that no matter the look, they couldn’t even slow down the Lions on the ground.
Having a defensive scheme ready to combat the run is the first thing the Steelers have to do to have a chance at winning. Sure, this group doesn’t have to stifle the Chargers as they have to some teams in the past, but they can’t surrender 200 plus yards on the ground again this week. The Chargers have to win through the air. They can’t get the easy win on the ground.
Can the Steelers young corners get it done?
The issue here is two-fold for the Steelers. While the run defense was an issue last week, the Chargers excel at moving the ball through the air. Justin Herbert is one of the most promising young arms in the league while he has two quality targets to throw to. Mike Williams and Keenan Allen can both do significant damage to opposing defenses, and both win in different ways.
The Steelers’ secondary hasn’t been horrible by any means, but the young corners will be put to the test this week. Add in the fact that Joe Haden may miss time with an injury and suddenly James Pierre and Cameron Sutton will be tasked with shutting down these receivers. Rookie Tre Norwood will also have to take on Allen when in the slot, further complicating the coverage process.
The Steelers secondary will have arguably their toughest task yet this week against the Chargers. Their duo of receivers are two of the best in the game and having Herbert throwing them the ball certainly helps. This young secondary has certainly flashed on occasion, but they will be tasked with the seemingly impossible task of stopping the pass this week. This defense will have to step up after a tough week.
Can Steelers Harris take a game over?
Before anyone says anything otherwise, Najee Harris has had a good rookie season and has been efficient when running the football. The issue is, the reason the team drafted him, the reason the Steelers spent a first-round pick on Harris was in hopes of him becoming a gamechanger. While he has been a solid player, he has yet to become a truly game-breaking running back.
With the Steelers receivers injured and huge questions at quarterback with Ben Roethlisberger on the Covid list, this is the type of week where Harris needs to step up and control the game. A good game is fine and has led to a good rookie season, but at this point, Harris needs to become the focal point of the offense. No matter the defensive looks, Harris has to be the central piece to this offense.
While it is a lofty standard to have, Harris needs a Derrick Henry type of game. One where the offense can count on him to take every snap if he needs to and still be an efficient runner. Another good game is fine, but the Steelers used a first-round pick for Harris to be a true game-changing running back. This is the first week that he is truly needed given the offensive questions heading into this game.
The Steelers’ path to victory this week isn’t an easy one, but there are situations that could happen that should lead to the team winning. That said, the odds definitely aren’t in the Steelers’ favor. If they want to have any shot at winning this game, they will have to answer these four questions.