Even though the Chargers suffered a disappointing 27-20 loss to the Vikings last Sunday, there are some positives heading into their Week 11 matchup against the Steelers.
– The Steelers could be without a slew of key players, starting with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. If Roethlisberger can’t go, Mason Rudolph will get the start. Regardless of who starts, they could be without some of their supporting cast, as starting wide receiver Chase Claypool and guard Kevin Dotson’s statuses are up in the air.
– It doesn’t stop there, as the defense could be missing some crucial players of its own. Edge defender T.J. Watt is dealing with knee and hip injuries. On the back end, Minkah Fitzpatrick, who is on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, is unlikely to play. Another key member of Pittsburgh’s secondary, cornerback Joe Haden, has a foot injury.
– Despite ranking ninth in passing defense, with the injuries on the Steelers’ defense, this could lead to a bounce-back game for quarterback Justin Herbert.
– Pittsburgh’s run defense has been inconsistent. Last Sunday, in their tie to the Lions, the Steelers allowed 229 rushing yards and an average of 5.9 yards per carry. While the ground game isn’t the Chargers forte, this could ultimately lead to a big performance for running back Austin Ekeler.
– The Chargers should be getting cornerback Michael Davis and safety Nasir Adderley back. Both of them should positively impact the secondary after it endured a rough day against the Vikings’ passing attack.