The Pittsburgh Steelers lost a shootout to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11. Here’s are my four biggest takeaways from the game.
Steelers fans were probably just about ready to call it a night after the Chargers were up 27-10 by the end of the third quarter. Surprisingly, Pittsburgh’s offense was able to make an impressive run late in the contest that included 24 fourth-quarter points.
Sadly, their efforts were all for not as Keith Butler’s defense ultimately surrendered 41 points in a loss that nobody could have expected would come down to the wire. There are both good and bad conclusions to draw from this game. Here are my four biggest takeaways from Pittsburgh’s performance in Week 11:
Steelers defensive injuries were the difference in the game
Prior to getting steamrolled by Justin Herbert and company to the tune of 41 points allowed, the Steelers hadn’t surrendered even a 30-point game in 40 regular-season contests, via Pro Football Reference. Unfortunately, that impressive streak was pulverized on Sunday Night Football.
The Steelers were without a plethora of defensive players in this contest, but the most notable losses were All-Pro defenders T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Herbert was extremely comfortable in the pocket without a player like Watt to harass him, while the threat of Minkah in the secondary could have been enough to slow down Herbert’s nearly perfect performance as a passer.
In addition to these losses, the team was without Joe Haden, Stephon Tuitt, Tyson Alualu, Carlos Davis, and Isaiahh Loudermilk. Every team has big injuries, but Watt and Fitzpatrick being sidelined truly made the difference in this game.