By Ray Porter Jr. for Urban Media Today
LOS ANGELES, CA–Just when it seemed like the Pittsburgh Steelers were back on track, they would ‘fall’ back off again.
What was seen as a major upset over the then 7-1 Indianapolis Colts, the AFC North-leading Steelers knew that playing the LA Chargers at SoFi Stadium for a Sunday Night Football matchup would be an equally major game, especially in the AFC. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as well for the Steelers as they were soundly defeated 25-10.
“You know, got to give credit to the LA Chargers, specifically [Defensive Coordinator] Jesse Minter. I thought their collective [unit] did the job.”
The Steelers had their struggles in this game, especially on offense as they were only able to generate 3 points (59-yard FG by K Chris Boswell) until late in the 4th quarter. QB Aaron Rodgers (16/31, 161 yards, TD, 2 INT) easily had his worst game as a Steeler thus far. The offense was unable to consistently establish any ball control the entire game, despite 70 yards rushing from RB Jaylen Warren.
“Shoot, it was probably midway through the fourth quarter before we converted a third down and you’re not going to win football games not converting third down and losing the turnover battle,” said Tomlin.
The Chargers offense wasn’t explosive either, but they were able to do enough to get the victory. QB Justin Herbert (20/33, 220 yards, TD) was efficient and his 15-yard TD pass to WR Ladd McConkey (4 rec, 107 yards, TD) was the only TD of the game. The rest of the Chargers points came off the foot of K Cameron Dicker, who kicked 4 field goals, including a 59-yarder and a safety when they tackled Rodgers in the Steelers end zone.
“McConkey caught four passes, certainly that last one was the biggest one, but definitely not the reason we lost this football game,” said Tomlin.
Despite giving up only one TD, the Steelers defense was able to get to Herbet, sacking him 5 times, but they were unable to stop the Chargers running game as Kimani Vidal rushed for a game-high 95 yards. Herbert himself added 19 yards as they rushed for 115 yards as a team.
“Just on the grass too long. We didn’t convert enough third downs. The time of possession was what it was. Collectives and individuals wear down when you’re not standing up.” Said Tomlin.
Rodgers lone TD was to WR Roman Wilson (2 rec, 35 yards), late in the 4th quarter. Regarding Rodgers’ struggles, Tomlin said, “We as an offensive collective were off today and certainly, he’s a component of that. I’ll let him speak for himself, but we certainly got to be better. Didn’t feel like they did anything unanticipated, but certainly they outperformed us particularly in possession-down play.”
The Steelers must now regroup, return to Pittsburgh, and prepare for a AFC North rematch against the Cincinnati Bengals (3-6), a team that upset them 33-31 on October 17th.
“We certainly were loose with the ball in several instances and didn’t convert enough third downs and so that’s the end result. There’s nothing mystical about it. We’ll be back. We’ll be better. We have to be, but we certainly weren’t tonight,” said Tomlin.
Notes: The Steelers claimed S Sebastian Castro off waivers from Tampa Bay, it was announced Monday. In a corresponding move, Pittsburgh released S Juan Thornhill.
Please email Ray at rayporterjr72@gmail.com
Follow him @RP2872_Jr on X.
