DB’s Steelers Preview: May the More Physical Team Win

Derrick Bell |

Sep 21, 2024

Coming soon to Acrisure Stadium on Sunday is a battle of two unexpectedly unbeaten squads, Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers and Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers. The home team has jumped out to an early AFC North lead thanks to two impressive road victories while the visitors have blown out both of their opponents early in the season. This game has the vibe of an ole school slugfest with both offenses prioritizing winning in the trenches and beating teams up with their rushing attacks. There are also some similarities between the two defensive units which are led by premier pass rushing edge defenders who also happen to play the run at a very high level.

SN analyst Derrick Bell breaks down this week matchup, detailing relevant schematic info and data trends from each side of the ball, as well as crucial matchups that will go a long way in deciding the outcome. From the Steelers perspective, the game plan will be similar but in order to continue improving on offense, they’ll need to search out avenues to explosive plays to compliment their ground and pound approach. How does the high ankle sprain affect Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert’s mobility and can the Steelers defense force Los Angeles to play a different brand of football than they have thus far in the early portion of the regular season? We will find out soon enough.

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Related: Bell: Steelers Defense Faces First Real Physical Test vs. Chargers

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