The Los Angeles Chargers take on the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday at 6:25 p.m. PT.
Here are a few Steelers players who the Bolts must hone in on to increase their chances of coming out victorious in Week 11.
DL Cameron Heyward
Corey Linsley and Matt Feiler have been integral pieces along the offensive line, faring well against some of the league’s top defensive tackles. This weekend, it does not get any easier, as they will go head-to-head against Pro Football Focus’ No. 1 interior defender. Heyward has disrupted backfields on a weekly basis. As a result, he has 37 pressures, 27 hurries, 24 run stops, and five sacks.
EDGE T.J. Watt
The availability of Watt is currently up in the air after he suffered knee and hip injuries against the Lions last weekend. Despite the lingering issues, coach Mike Tomlin has yet to officially rule him out. If he’s a go, it will primarily be Storm Norton’s job to slow down the premiere pass rusher. Watt is second in the league in sacks (12.5). Furthermore, he has 28 pressures, 23 run stops, and three forced fumbles.
WR Diontae Johnson
Even though there’s a possibility the Steelers could be starting Mason Rudolph over Ben Roethlisberger this weekend, it doesn’t mean that it will impact the role of the team’s No. 1 receiver. Johnson leads Pittsburgh with 52 catches for 613 yards and three touchdowns this season. There’s the possibility of Michael Davis and Nasir Adderley returning from their perspective injuries, which would help. But the pass rush might take a bit of a hit since Joey Bosa is on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
RB Najee Harris
The Chargers have shown steady progress in the run defense department. But the team could be without Bosa, Jerry Tillery, Christian Covington, and Drue Tranquill, who are all on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. In addition, Linval Joseph has yet to practice this week due to a shoulder injury. Harris has 120+ yards from scrimmage in 4 of the last 5 games. He is close to the 1,000-yard mark from scrimmage and has six total touchdowns.
TE Pat Freiermiuth
This is the first time that two rookies have found their way to this list. One, it goes to show how many keys Steelers players the team could be without this weekend. Two, the Chargers have struggled against opposing tight ends, particularly in the red zone – allowing seven touchdowns this season. Freiermiuth has been bringing more to the table than just a blocker. 23 of his 32 catches have gone for either a first down or a score.