5 electric matchups in the Steel City for Steelers vs. Chargers in Week 3

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for their home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers this weekend. The Week 3 matchup will be a test of strength and determination for Chargers QB Justin Herbert as he faces the Steelers.

Both teams are coming off road victories and sit atop their respective divisions. Here are 5 key matchups to keep an eye on at Acrisure Stadium.

Familiar foes in the backfield for the Steelers D

In the upcoming game, a pair of Chargers’ running backs will face their former AFC North rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, both former Baltimore Ravens players, decimated the Raiders and Panthers' defense in a span of two games.

Despite the Steelers' strong run defense, containing this dynamic duo might prove to be a challenge.  The old-school hard-nosed run-game plan is what everyone is expecting to see, but if the Steelers consistently put the Chargers in tough situations, it will force Herbert to step up and make plays.

Justin Fields clashes with Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack

 QB Justin Fields is faced with the daunting task of outmaneuvering the formidable pairing of Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Bosa and Mack have already proven their ability to disrupt quarterbacks Gardner Minshew and Bryce Young this season.

The critical question is whether Fields will have the necessary time to execute plays downfield, especially given the current struggles of the offensive line, which ranks 20th in the league according to Pro Football Network.

If Fields can find the opportunity to connect with his targets, Steelers fans could witness an electrifying offensive performance. Despite the expectation of a run-heavy game plan, there’s potential for Fields to flip the playbook and splash some downfield surprise strikes, cue GP on standby for his first TD of the season.  

Greg Roman and Patrick Queen reunite on opposite sides  

The familiar faces continue to haunt the Steelers as former offensive coordinator for the Ravens, Greg Roman will take on former Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen. This game promises to be an intense clash, as Roman is known for favoring a run-heavy playbook featuring talented players like J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards.

Steelers fans are eager to see how the defense will prepare for this challenge, especially since Queen will be up against his former teammates. Queen’s main focus will be shutting down J.K. Dobbins, the league’s top rusher.

The Steelers Wide Receivers against the Chargers secondary 

In Week 3, the wide receivers will need to elevate their performance as QB Justin Fields seeks to diversify his targets beyond George Pickens. Although it’s unlikely that rookie Roman Wilson will make his debut this weekend, the WR room boasts capable but overlooked players.

On the Charger’s secondary front, it’s expected that veteran Derwin James Jr. will be assigned to keep a close eye on GP, potentially creating opportunities for  Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller to make substantial contributions. Another major component of the Chargers' secondary is cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. who is seasoned enough to know the schematics behind covering top WRs in the league.

Their own worst enemy: Steelers versus penalties

See this matchup as the entire Steelers team challenging themselves to clean up penalties and self-inflicted setbacks. The team is known for upholding the Mike 'T' standard of “smiling in the face of adversity”, but the fan base needs concrete evidence to believe it. Week 3 is the perfect time for the Steelers team to turn the page and play disciplined football.