The Los Angeles Chargers have clear path to victory Sunday Night against the Pittsburgh Steelers but it will be easier said than done
The Chargers must find a way to establish the run against the Steelers.
When the Los Angeles Chargers take the field on Sunday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the key to victory will be simple and physical. The Bolts must find a way to run the football.
That is easier said than done for an offense that has been built around Justin Herbert’s arm. But with the Chargers’ offensive line as battered as it has been all season, and left tackle Joe Alt now officially out for the year, protecting Herbert against one of the league’s most relentless pass rushes could prove nearly impossible if the offense leans too heavily on the passing game.
The Steelers come into this matchup riding high after a five-sack performance against the Indianapolis Colts last week, a reminder that T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith can wreck a game plan in a hurry. Pittsburgh’s front thrives on chaos, and few quarterbacks have been forced to endure as much of it as Herbert this year. He currently leads the league in both pressure rate and hit rate, a dangerous combination for a team trying to keep its franchise quarterback healthy and productive.
Establish the run
That is why the Chargers’ best path forward may be to take the air out of the ball. Running the football will not only protect Herbert, it could also be the key to sustaining drives, controlling tempo, and wearing down a Steelers defense that has been vulnerable against the run.
Despite their reputation for defensive toughness, the Steelers have been merely average in that area this season. They currently rank 23rd in the NFL in rush defense EPA, a stat that should give Los Angeles some confidence heading into the game.
Running back Kimani Vidal has stepped up admirably in the absence of injured rookie Omarion Hampton, showing burst, vision, and toughness in recent weeks. Vidal’s ability to consistently pick up positive yardage and keep the offense ahead of schedule could be the difference between manageable third downs and drive-killing sacks.
If the Chargers can establish Vidal early and find some rhythm on the ground, they will have a chance to neutralize Pittsburgh’s pass rush and open up play-action opportunities for Herbert. But if they are forced into a drop-back-heavy game, it could get ugly fast.
