The Pittsburgh Steelers are out in the Los Angeles suburbs preparing to take on the Chargers with their season on the line. So we reached out to our friends at Chargers Wire to get the inside information on this week’s opponent.
1. The Chargers haven’t had much luck running the football this season. Do you look for a bigger role from Melvin Gordon this weekend?
Surprisingly, the Chargers have had quite a bit of success running the football even though the statistics may suggest otherwise. Los Angeles just hasn’t been able to run the ball as much because they’ve found themselves playing catch-up for more than they would have liked, thus forcing them to throw the ball. The tandem of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson did a great job manning the backfield during Gordon’s absence, especially on the ground. With the former Wisconsin product back, we can expect his workload to increase from the week prior. Last Sunday, he played 34 snaps, so look for him to play near 45. Ekeler will take the backseat to a complementary role, even though Ekeler has been the best running back on the team this season.
2. What positional unit on the Chargers do you feel have the biggest advantage over Pittsburgh?
Man, with all of the injuries it’s difficult to say at the moment. I know that Pittsburgh’s roster is belittled too, but the Chargers have really lost a lot of their key players. The position group Los Angeles has the biggest advantage is quarterback. Even though (Philip) Rivers has been up-and-down this season, I know Steelers fans are wishing that they could have their starting quarterback to turn things around with how the season has been shaping up.
3. Who is a guy on the Chargers having a big season who isn’t getting enough press?
Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu has sneakily been one of the best defensive players for the Chargers. Nwosu made a big impact in a limited capacity last season in his rookie campaign, and now that he’s seen his role expand, he’s been a force off the edge as a pass rusher and will make plays against the run.
4. How would you attack the Chargers on both sides of the football?
When the Chargers have the ball, you have to pressure off the edge. Offensive tackles Sam Tevi and Trent Scott haven’t fared well against speed rushers. Rivers isn’t a mobile quarterback, and if you collapse the pocket, he hasn’t been doing a great job of stepping up this season and will instead take the sack. When the Steelers have the ball, they need to run the ball. Los Angeles’ rush defense has been suspect and will make an average running back look like a top-5 back because of the lack of push up front in the trenches and missed tackles by the back end of the defense.
5. Give us your prediction.
If Big Ben or Mason Rudolph was healthy, I’d be leaning towards the Steelers. I know the defense is finally stepping up, but the offense is banged up and will struggle to score points against a Chargers defense that is hard to score on. Los Angeles is missing players on both sides of the ball, but they ultimately have a bit more firepower to squeak one out, especially as they’re eager to get back into the playoff race. I don’t expect this to be a high-scoring game. Chargers 21, Steelers 14
