Is this the dawn of a new “Steel Curtain?” The question is a bit of theatrics, but it still floats in the air after the Pittsburgh Steelers allowed just 16 points in the first two weeks. Only one touchdown has been scored against the Pittsburgh defense.
That’s a tough order for a Los Angeles Chargers team with questions at quarterback this week. Justin Herbert was listed as questionable on Friday with a high ankle sprain sustained in Week 2 play, although there is reportedly optimism he will play in this one. But oddly, a defensive challenge may be just what gets the juices flowing for Jim Harbaugh, who leads his Los Angeles Chargers into the Steel City on Sunday.
Both teams are 2-0, but the Steelers are slight favorites. The line moved slightly in Pittsburgh’s favor when Herbert’s news was announced. Harbaugh loves a defensive battle that’s fought in the trenches, and if he can get his quarterback to get into the red zone enough times, he won’t flinch at winning a game decided by the toes of his placekicker.
If any fan base can get behind a low-scoring, defense-first team, it’s the good folks of Pittsburgh. But the last time this team won titles this way was in the 1970s, and pro football was much different. Eventually, Justin Fields, or some Steeler QB, will need to pass the ball and score six points at a time. So far, Pittsburgh has kicked eight field goals(!) against one TD this season.
This is the part of the preview where we would list the offensive weapons the Steelers have on the roster. But Pittsburgh has the fewest offensive snaps and fewest dropbacks of any team in the NFL this season. It’s clear that Mike Tomlin is fine winning “ugly,” and in Pittsburgh ugly with a side of crushing defense is beautiful.
How magical is Harbaugh? He has a fourth-year player who only had 10 starts entering this season, leading the NFL in rushing. That man is J.K. Dobbins, a powerful back who leads the league in forced missed tackles.
This is one of the most intriguing matchups of Week 3: two teams that like to shove the football into the face of the defense, like to chew up the clock, and aren’t afraid to get points three at a time.
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Los Angeles Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers odds
How to watch Chargers vs. Steelers
- Venue: Acrisure Stadium — Pittsburgh
- Time: 1 p.m. ET, Sunday
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Fubo (try for free)
Expert picks for Chargers vs. Steelers
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(Photo of Najee Harris: Ron Chenoy / Imagn Images)
