It wasn't always easy, and it wasn't always pretty, but the Pittsburgh Steelers came away from Week 3 with a 20-10 win and a ton of confidence in Quarterback Justin Fields. The Los Angeles Chargers represented an early season character test for the Steelers, which the team passed in classic Pittsburgh fashion. The victory means a 3-0 start to the 2024 campaign for the Steelers.
Starting his third straight game for the Steelers, Fields displayed the growth Pittsburgh hoped to see from him. The former Chicago Bears quarterback threw for 245 yards and one touchdown, with the lone turnover coming from a deflected pass. Fields showed remarkable poise in the pocket and consistently went through his progressions to find the best option, depending on what the Chargers gave him. Throughout the contest, commentator Tony Romo pointed out that those moments were sacks in Chicago for Fields.
Fields connected with George Pickens for 57 yards on five catches and Pat Freiermuth for 33 yards on four receptions. The x-factor ended up being Calvin Austin III, who showcased his speed with a 55-yard touchdown pass from Fields, giving the third-year receiver 95 yards on four catches for the day. With Russell Wilson again watching from the sidelines, Fields took another massive step forward and may have already done enough to ensure that the starting job is his regardless of Wilson's health.
Steelers Defense Was Just Better
Coming into Sunday's contest in Pittsburgh, it was no secret that both teams would be relying on the defensive side of the football to earn a victory. True to the reports, the game displayed how each defense was a strength, but the Steelers' second half was exceptional. After allowing 155 yards of offense in the first half, Pittsburgh slammed the door shut so hard it swung back. Los Angeles managed -5 offensive yards in a second half shutout reminiscent of the Cowher smashmouth era. The Steelers finished the day with five sacks, including two from Nick Herbig, who also forced a fumble on one of them.
The Chargers knew Quarterback Justin Herbert would be limited due to his ankle injury, but the Pittsburgh pass rush proved too much for Los Angeles to handle. Herbert left the game late in the third quarter following a particularly nasty, multi-player sack, but the Steelers had clamped down on defense the moment the second half began. Running Back JK Dobbins, who was leading the NFL in rushing ahead of Sunday's game, couldn't find any rhythm and finished the day with 44 yards on 15 carries for less than three yards per carry. This dangerous, hungry Pittsburgh defense has become even scarier with a competent offense behind it.
Final Thoughts
Depth played a considerable part in the Steelers' Week 3 win. Alex Highsmith left the game with a groin injury, giving Herbig the chance to put together some meaningful snaps, which is exactly what he did. Herbig has always made the most of his opportunities, and the second-year linebacker got another two sacks, one a strip sack, to go on his already impressive resume. With Isaac Seumalo and Troy Fautanu out, Broderick Jones, Spencer Anderson, and Mason McCormick answered the call. Pittsburgh's time of possession in 2024 has already eclipsed the best of 2023, which can't be overlooked.
Sunday was a litmus test for the 2024 Steelers. The victory gets the team to 3-0 in a season that gets exponentially more challenging as it progresses. It should make people think twice before shrugging off Pittsburgh among the better teams in the AFC, if not the league. Fields has a firm grip on the starting job without any reason for the coaches to think otherwise. Everything is pointing in the right direction for the Steelers after three games. While it is early in the 2024 campaign, Pittsburgh has already done enough to be considered a legitimate threat.
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