7 players Steelers must game plan against in Week 3 matchup vs. Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers (2-0) head to Pittsburgh for a Week 3 showdown against the Steelers (2-0), marking the Steelers' home opener. Under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers are off to a surprising start, defying expectations that they were still in rebuilding mode. So far, their 2024 season mirrors the Steelers' in both style and results. Both teams rely on stout defense and a relentless ground game, setting up a gritty, physical contest.

If you're hoping for a high-flying, pass-heavy shootout this Sunday, you might want to temper your expectations. This matchup is shaping up to be a low-scoring dogfight, with each team determined to dominate the trenches. The Chargers bring a solid roster into Pittsburgh, and here are a few key players to watch closely.

Justin Herbert, QB

Justin Herbert, one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the league, is one of the toughest opponents to face. With a cannon of an arm and the ability to take off running, as we saw the last time the Steelers squared off against the Chargers, Herbert is a real challenge to contain.

Despite injuring his ankle last week, he managed to finish the game, and while his status for Sunday is uncertain, I’d bet he’ll be on the field. The Chargers offense hasn’t leaned heavily on the pass lately, but Pittsburgh will need to be sharp—Herbert has the ability to make game-changing plays at any moment.

Derwin James, S

One of the premier safeties in the league, Derwin James is a game-changing presence all over the field due to his incredible versatility. A true chess piece, he's difficult for any offense to prepare for. Expect him to make a significant impact in both the run game and in coverage, where he’ll likely be tasked with containing Pat Freiermuth.

Joey Bosa, DE

A pass rusher who has struggled with durability throughout his career, recently limited by a back issue against Carolina, but when healthy, stands out as one of the most complete and dominant pass rushers in the game.

Khalil Mack, DE

Another elite pass rusher in his prime, he was among the NFL's best. Now at 33, he still seems to have plenty left in the tank, performing at a high level this season. Dan Moore and Troy Fautanu will have their work cut out for them, as they'll be tasked with handling both of these relentless pass rushers.

Rashawn Slater, OT

A standout offensive tackle who has been a top performer on the Chargers offensive line since he's been drafted. This season, he's continued to excel, and the matchup between Alex Highsmith and Slater promises to be an exciting one.

Joe Alt, OT

The Chargers first-round draft pick has certainly lived up to the hype, making a strong start to his NFL career. The matchup between him and the league's top defensive player, TJ Watt, promises to be the highlight of the game. Los Angeles boasts a strong tackle duo in Alt and Slater, who have been pivotal in the success of the Chargers run game.

The clash between the Steelers defensive line and the Chargers offensive line will be a crucial battle, with the outcome of this game likely determined by their performance in the trenches.

JK Dobbins, RB

After an injury-plagued stint in Baltimore, he signed with the Chargers this offseason. His impressive comeback and resurgence have been remarkable, and he's currently the league's top rusher. The offense heavily relies on him and Gus Edwards, so it will be interesting to see how the Steelers rush defense measures up.

Other thoughts:

These two teams are evenly matched, each possessing a similar identity. The outcome will likely hinge on who can dominate the line of scrimmage and execute better defensively. As mentioned earlier, expect an old-school game focused heavily on the run game, leading to a low-scoring affair. With the over/under set at just 36 points, betting on the under might be the wise choice.

For Steelers fans eager to see an offensive breakthrough and more points on the board, it seems we'll need to be patient and wait for next week.