It hasn't been pretty, but the Steelers have found a way to hang on and win their first two games of the season. They went up against two teams that seemed like winnable opportunities, but they made it difficult to cross the finish line. All thanks to Pittsburgh's defense and special teams here. They are the main catalysts for why the black and gold remain undefeated heading into this game.
LA has been solid overall since Jim Harbaugh took over this year. They have started to shelter Justin Herbert early in the season by establishing a strong run game. They then attack the opposition's defense by opening the passing game up based on the success of their run game. Herbert and their stable of running backs have been efficient thus far.
Unless the Steeler's offense finds a way to score more than 20 points in this contest, it could be a tough day at the office for their defense. Both teams want to run the ball and take shots in the passing game based off of that success.
It might be a low-scoring affair, but the Chargers have a quarterback who is capable of leading a comeback if they fall behind. This is the toughest task yet for the Steeler's defense.
The Chargers could expose the Steelers defense if Herbert plays
Keep a close eye on the Chargers injury report leading up to the game on Sunday afternoon. He has been nursing an ankle injury, which could limit his mobility if he can play. It seems like signs are pointing to him suiting up in this battle in Pittsburgh so that sigh of relief for the Steelers won't likely happen. Herbert might not be a top quarterback in the NFL, but he is a capable guy who shows flashes of talent.
We know the Steeler's defense has been one of the best units during the start of the season. Just because they were able to handle a mediocre Broncos team, and a Falcons offense who were still knocking off rust, doesn't mean they won't falter at times this season. Pittsburgh's defense has to be close to, if not perfect for the black and gold to secure victory.
If the Chargers' defense plays as well as they have the past couple of weeks, then it will lead to plenty of struggles for the Steeler's offense. That means LA will have the ball more and could get the Steelers' defense tired enough to inflict their will in the run game. If that happens, then it will open things up in the passing game for Herbert and company.
It has been an honorable start for the Steeler's defense, but they will have the biggest mountain to climb to victory in Week 3. If they can't cause turnovers and shut down the run in this contest, then they might struggle to find a win unless their offense can score more than their current average. This is the perfect matchup where the Steeler's defense could get exposed if they don't play physically for the entire game.