The Chargers hosted the Steelers at SoFi Stadium on Sunday night, and it was a thrilling battle that came down to the wire.
Nevertheless, Los Angeles avoided a collapse and beat Pittsburgh, 41-37.
Here are five numbers that tell the story of the Bolts’ win over the Steelers.
14
The Chargers had a 27-10 lead heading into the fourth quarter, then all hell broke loose, and the teams scored a combined 31 points in the quarter. The final minutes included an interception, a blocked punt, and a failed fourth-and-one attempt, all of which almost caused Los Angeles to blow a 14 point lead. However, it wasn’t until wide receiver Mike Williams scored a 53-yard touchdown to seal the deal. Fans had been wondering where Williams had been since the game against the Ravens in Week 6. Now, five weeks later, he was an unlikely hero for the Bolts.
5
The Chargers now have five fourth-quarter comebacks this season. In the franchise’s history, it’s never been the norm for them to get in the win column following a close game. But this season, it’s different. Although the Bolts didn’t necessarily need to be in that situation, the team still overcame the obstacles to come out on top.
90
For a running back in the NFL to pick up 90 yards on the ground is a solid performance any day. However, it wasn’t running back Austin Ekeler who was the team’s leading rusher. Against the Steelers, none other than quarterback Justin Herbert led the team in rushing yards and earned himself another career-high. Herbert’s performance included a 36-yard scamper in the fourth quarter, leading to a 14-point lead. Nevertheless, Herbert should be someone all NFL teams should fear in primetime.
3.1
The Chargers’ defense allowed the Steelers to score 37 points Sunday night, but the scoreboard doesn’t give credit where credit is most definitely due. With Linval Joseph dealing with a shoulder injury and Jerry Tillery and Christian Covington out due to COVID-19, three undrafted defensive linemen were tasked with the Steelers’ rushing attack. Joe Gaziano, Breiden Fehoko, and Forrest Merrill needed to step up in the absence of their teammates, and they all rose to the occasion. As a result, Pittsburgh collected just 55 rushing yards on 18 carries, with an average of 3.1 yards per carry.
4
For a couple of weeks, Ekeler’s production was decent but people wanted more. Ekeler delivered in a big way, scoring four touchdowns, two rushing and two receiving. He finished the night with a total of 115 yards (50 rushing and 65 receiving). It was his most complete performance of the season.