Top scoring defenses clash as Chargers oppose Steelers
Points will likely come at a premium when the Pittsburgh Steelers welcome the visiting Los Angeles Chargers to town on Sunday afternoon.
Opponents have yet to figure out how to break through against either team, with Los Angeles (2-0) allowing the fewest points per game in the NFL (6.5) through the first two weeks of the season. Pittsburgh ranks second in that category, yielding an average of 8.0 points.
“Outstanding,” Los Angeles coach Jim Harbaugh said of the Steelers’ defense. “One of the best front sevens in football, and elite in the coverage area as well.”
Cutting through Pittsburgh’s secondary could be that much tougher for the Chargers if quarterback Justin Herbert isn’t able to play. Herbert is dealing with an ankle injury and did not practice on Wednesday.
Harbaugh expects Herbert to be good to go come Sunday, but if the 26-year-old can’t suit up, Easton Stick would start under center.
And Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin is keeping a close eye on Los Angeles’ injury report.
“I don’t speculate and read stuff on Tuesday, it’s a waste of time,” Tomlin said. “Participation, or lack thereof, is what gets my attention.”
Tomlin is more focused on his own quarterback room. Justin Fields was the Steelers’ field general for Weeks 1 and 2, and Pittsburgh (2-0) is preparing to start him once again on Sunday as Russell Wilson continues to work through a calf issue.
Wilson was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice.
Fields most recently completed 13 of 20 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown in the Steelers’ 13-6 victory over the Denver Broncos last Sunday.
“He loves to compete,” Tomlin said of Fields. “He’s got a quiet confidence about him. He doesn’t change in environments. There’s a clarity in his communication, in his response to communication, that’s really comfortable.”
If Tomlin’s words ring true, Fields should be able to stay composed in front of a raucous crowd that is expected to be on hand for Pittsburgh’s home opener.
The Chargers fared well in a hostile environment last Sunday, crushing the Carolina Panthers 26-3 in Charlotte. J.K. Dobbins rushed for 131 yards and a score on 17 carries, while Herbert went for 130 yards, two TDs and a pick on 14-of-20 passing.
A lot of the success in the running game can be attributed to Los Angeles offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who frequently went up against the Steelers during his two stints on the Baltimore Ravens’ coaching staff (2006-07 and 2017-22).
“Greg Roman’s gone against the Steelers, Steelers have gone against Greg Roman,” Harbaugh said. “There’s experience on both sides.”
Roman’s offense could be without wide receiver Joshua Palmer (elbow/calf) for the meeting with Pittsburgh, as Palmer didn’t practice on Wednesday. Linebackers Junior Colson (hamstring) and Bud Dupree (illness), a former Steeler, were also among those held out.
Three Chargers were limited with injury designations during Wednesday’s session, a group that included star linebacker Joey Bosa (hip).
Pittsburgh guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) and tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee) didn’t practice on Wednesday. Receiver Roman Wilson was a limited participant due to an ankle injury.
–Field Level Media
