Under-the-radar defender holds the key to Steelers victory vs. Chargers

The Steelers enter week 3 on a high. After winning both of their previous games and the surprising decline of the Ravens and Bengals, Pittsburgh finds themselves at the top of the AFC North. It hasn’t been pretty, and the offense has struggled, but the defense has kept scores down and allowed the offense to chip away and win close.

When looking at who makes sense as a key player this week, the obvious is Justin Fields. His Steelers debut statistically has looked mediocre, but his actual play on the field has been strong. However, the team seems content to keep the offense muted as they wait for Russell Wilson to get healthy for some reason. It may be the wrong choice, but I have accepted what the plan seems to be for now.

While the Chargers defense hasn’t been bad, I do think it can be exploited. Frankly, I think Pittsburgh's run-heavy scheme benefits them, and if they can keep the ground game pounding, they should be able to keep this game close.

That will also be the Charger's choice, as they have been one of the most effective rushing attacks in the league so far. Despite lacking an elite running back, this team has amassed nearly 400 rushing yards through two weeks. Because of this fact, the key player for the Steelers this week has to be Patrick Queen despite his slow start to the season.

Steelers need to see Queen produce some fruit

It hasn’t been the start you wanted for your highest-paid free agent ever. Queen hasn’t been bad by any means, but he hasn’t looked like the dynamic linebacker that he was in Baltimore. It keeps the long-standing question of whether he needs an elite running mate to play well alive.

With the Chargers coming in with an elite rushing offense, they will face a stout Steelers run defense. That hasn’t been because of Queen, he has been more effective in coverage, but more so because of the defensive line. I expect Cameron Heyward to be a core contributor, but they also have a tall task against the interior of the Chargers line.

Frankly put, the Chargers have built this rushing offense perfectly. They have continually invested in the offensive line, and it has allowed them to take small chances on running backs like Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins to great success. Dobbins, in particular, has been a big play threat and can turn the tides of the game in an instant.

With the defensive line having their hands full with a good offensive line, it makes the role of the linebackers that much more important. For a player like Edwards, his power style won’t equate to long gains. He has been a fine hammer, but he isn’t the problem right now. A long Dobbins run or two can flip the field and increase the score, a disastrous recipe for a timid Steelers offense.

Queen is the first line of defense. If a run scheme is properly executed, Queen needs to be instinctive in stopping the play quickly. He has the athleticism to pop into the backfield quickly and negate plays, we just haven’t seen that yet. We will need it to limit Dobbins.

Pittsburgh paid Queen to be a top linebacker, and the results through two weeks haven’t been there. He has a crucial matchup this week, and the results could very well define the game. If Queen continues to misfire, Dobbins and the Chargers could make this game ugly and quick. Queen needs to step up, and his play will be key in determining the outcome of this matchup.