Game Balls: 5 standouts from Chargers’ injury-riddled loss to Steelers

It was an ugly game for the Chargers in which several players left with injuries. Despite the loss, there were still a few standouts.

In the battle of the undefeated’s, the Chargers fell to the Steelers 20-10 on Sunday. The story of the day was injuries, as several of the Chargers’ top players left the game banged up.

In a game that there was little to be excited about, there are still a few players that stood out on the Los Angeles’ side of things.

Derwin James

He was arguably the best player on the field on Sunday, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to give his team the win. His physicality disrupted several Steelers plays on the day, as he finished with eight total tackles as well as a sack. James showed why he remains one of the best safeties in football when he’s healthy.

J.K. Scott

Again, it wasn’t exactly a pretty game for the Chargers, which leads to a punter making today’s list of standouts. Scott deserves his flowers, as he was busy throughout the game. He ended the day with seven punts for an average of 50 yards, which included three of them inside the 20-yard line. Scott gave the Steelers poor field position on multiple occasions, which was needed with the Chargers’ offensive struggles in the second half.

Khalil Mack

Joey Bosa got injured on the first play of the game and was unable to play. Fortunately, Mack still played very well despite his running mate’s absence. He finished the day with five total tackles and a sack and pressured Steelers quarterback Justin Fields several times on the day. Through three games, Mack now has 2.5 sacks on the 2024 season.

Daiyan Henley

We’re still less than a quarter of the way through the season, but Henley has been phenomenal in 2024. As a whole, the Chargers’ linebacker core has stepped up in a big way, which specifically includes Henley. In the loss, he finished with 12 total tackles and was a huge presence in the running game.

Quentin Johnston

The 2023 first-rounder caught just two passes on the day, but was able to haul in the team’s lone touchdown. It was his third touchdown in the last two weeks, which surpasses his total for his 2023 rookie campaign. With a few good performances under his belt now, Johnston is starting to establish himself as the top weapon in this offense.