Steelers won't be able to use weather as an excuse in Week 3 home opener

We've seen how often extreme weather conditions can affect a football game. Over the years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been forced to play during torrential downpours or in the bitter cold. This won't be one of those times.

Entering Week 3 of the 2024 season, the weather conditions have hardly been a factor for Mike Tomlin's team. The Steelers were in a dome with a retractable roof at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Last week, Pittsburgh played with clear conditions at Empower Stadium in the Mile High City.

This Sunday, the Steelers couldn't ask for nicer weather in September.

Weather forecast for Steelers vs. Chargers

On Sunday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania we can expect partly sunny weather with a high of 84 degrees, according to AccuWeather.com. There is only a 2 percent chance of precipitation with 5 mph winds and the 'real feel' will be 87 degrees.

With fall approaching, the Steelers will play another game with a summer-like feel. The dry forecast shouldn't impact either team's ability to sling the ball through the air or pound the rock on the ground. We've seen spotty field conditions at Acrisure Stadium in the past when weather strikes, but perfect conditions won't impede the Steelers or Chargers from executing their playbooks this week.

What to expect in Steelers' home opener

The Steelers and Chargers are mirror images of each other in many ways. Both teams want to run the football and play good defense while minimizing turnover-worthy plays. Had rain been in the forecast, field conditions would have impeded running backs and defenders' ability to make cuts or break down for a tackle.

Instead, neither team will be able to use the weather as an excuse this week. Pittsburgh and LA will have full reign over their offensive playbooks without worrying about added risk. For offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, this is great news.

In the first half of Pittsburgh's game against the Broncos, Smith introduced a heavy dose of the rushing attack, while mixing in the occasional play-action bootleg. This ability to keep Denver's defense on their heels early resulted in several big plays before the Steelers took their foot off the gas in the second half with a two-score lead.

Smith could operate his offense similarly in Week 3 against the Chargers. Unfortunately, OC Greg Roman will be able to do the same for LA, as his team possesses the top rushing offense in the NFL through the first two weeks.

If you're attending the game this week, there's no need to pack your umbrella or rain poncho. It's going to be a beautiful day in Pittsburgh when the Steelers and Chargers meet on Sunday.