DB’s Steelers Dudes & Duds: Fields Flourishes Despite OL Struggles

Folks, the Pittsburgh Steelers might have found themselves a quarterback. In the 20-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Justin Fields looked as confident as we’ve seen him in the black and gold.

Meanwhile, the defense suffocated the run game on the other side and forced the opposing offense into being more one-dimensional. Starting 3-0 was certainly not on my bingo card but you have to be impressed with how tough this team feels right now even if the offense is still very much a work in progress. Let’s talk through some dudes and dudes from the game that was.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields runs into the end zone against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 22, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Dude: QB Justin Fields

In his first start as the Steelers quarterback, Fields delivered a really solid performance. For what seems like an eternity now, the middle of the field has seemed like a ghost town for the Steelers offense but #2 was lights out over the middle today. Every in-breaker was hitting guys in stride, he hit some tight window throw and most importantly, seemed way more decisive as a passer.

The stat line reads 245 yards, one passing touchdown to pair with a rushing score but it could have been even better as there were a couple drops in the first half by key weapons. Fields was competent through the first two weeks but there were stretches of this game where he was single-handedly keeping the offense moving. The interception was a forced attempt but this should be his job until further notice.

Dud: LG Spencer Anderson

Again, expectations have to be tempered when you’re talking about a second-year seventh-round selection but his play has not been good over the first month of the season. It’s tough to judge offensive line play from a live viewing lens but there were a couple run blocking occasions where he blew an assignment. The team even resorted to a rotation, similar to what we saw last week at tackle. Pittsburgh desperately needs Isaac Seumalo back but if he’s not ready by next weekend, they should consider pivoting to Mason McCormick full-time just to see if the results are a little bit better.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III runs with the football against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 22, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Dude: WR Calvin Austin III

Liked I talked about all week long, Pittsburgh’s offense had generated just five explosive plays through the first two weeks of the season, only the Carolina Panthers had less entering Sunday’s contest. They got a big boost from Austin today in a way that we haven’t previously seen him contribute which was over the middle on catch and run opportunities. They’re desperate for playmakers on the perimeter right now and he stepped up in a massive way. The house call in the fourth quarter was an electric moment in front of the home crowd. Let’s see if he can stack a few positive performances in a row.

Dud: OT Dan Moore Jr.

Moore has been mostly fine thus far this season but it felt like Khalil Mack was arguably the best player on the field today, consistently having his way with the Steelers tackles. The first sack allowed was a perplexing one to say the least. He attempted a “chase down” or jump set which allowed Mack to immediately get on his inside edge and bring down Fields for a loss. Mentally, it didn’t seem like that set made any sense with Najee Harris seemingly swinging to his side for chip help. Plus, all of the offensive line owns part of run game woes in the first half which we’ll talk about here in a second.

Dude: EDGE Nick Herbig

The Pittsburgh Steelers are an explosive edge rusher factory and Herbig might be the latest product. After Alex Highsmith exited via injury, he beat stud left tackle Rashawn Slater on the Hail Mary attempt but missed the sack opportunity. After that, he didn’t let any chances slip away. Whether it was Slater or the backup who replaced him in this one, Herbig looked unblockable and kickstarted the pass rush when it looked nonexistent at times in the first half. The Steelers must continue to find ways to get this kid on the field because when he’s out there, he looks pretty disruptive.

Dud: Play Action Pass Game

Originally, this spot was reserved for Arthur Smith’s offensive foundation as a whole but the run game came alive a bit down the stretch which got that portion of the scheme off the hook. However, the play action pass game has been brutal. Entering the week, Fields was averaging 3.5 yards per pass on under-center play action passes. That doesn’t include keepers, sacks or scrambles but when Smith’s offense has been at its peak, this a calling card. They’ve tried to take shots down the field but on most occasions, those plays have resulted into check downs and unsuccessful plays. With the talent level being what it is on the offensive side of the ball, Pittsburgh needs /Smith to provide some schematic advantages and that hasn’t really been the case through these first several games.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 22, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Dude(s): Collective Run Defense

The Chargers came into this one with the NFL’s leading rusher J.K. Dobbins who has had success against this defense in past appearances. Pittsburgh completely shut him down in this one as he finished with just 44 rushing yards on 15 carries while keeping him out of the end zone. Carolina beat up some pretty teams out the gate of the season but there’s no doubt that this group has a physical identity. They tried to enforce their will and the Steelers front seven was up for the challenge.

Dude: ILB Patrick Queen

Games like this were why Omar Khan and company brought a tone-setter like Patrick Queen to Pittsburgh. He led the team in tackles, had a few run stops in the first half. It felt like the defense was feeding off his energy early on in this one. He also had a great play in coverage, carrying an over route but dropped an easy interception which he’s gonna have nightmares over this week. His range and hit power are assets that few backers can match. It shouldn’t surprise anyone if he builds on this performance as the leader in the middle.