Chargers Dominate Steelers with 25-10 Win on Sunday Night Football
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The Los Angeles Chargers dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers with a decisive 25-10 victory on Sunday Night Football, improving their record to 7-3. According to Pro Football Talk, the Chargers' defense was a standout, as they held the Steelers to just 221 total yards.
Khalil Mack made a significant impact, recording a safety in the first quarter when he strip-sacked quarterback Aaron Rodgers, leading to a 5-3 lead for Los Angeles after a field goal from Cameron Dicker.
The Chargers then extended their lead just before halftime with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Justin Herbert to Ladd McConkey, making it 12-3. Dicker added a 59-yard field goal in the third quarter, pushing the score to 15-3.
The Chargers continued to capitalize on Pittsburgh's struggles, with Herbert connecting on a 58-yard pass to McConkey setting up a 2-yard touchdown run by Kimani Vidal to increase the lead to 22-3. According to Deadspin, the Chargers’ defense was relentless, allowing the Steelers only five first downs through the first three quarters.
Aaron Rodgers struggled throughout the game, completing only 16 of 31 passes for 161 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. His second interception, which was critical, came off a pass that deflected off Calvin Austin's hands into the arms of former Steelers corner Donte Jackson.
The Steelers finally found the end zone late in the fourth quarter with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Roman Wilson, but it was too late to change the outcome of the game. The Chargers’ offense efficiently executed their plays, with Herbert finishing the game with 220 yards passing and a touchdown, while McConkey led the team with 107 yards on four receptions.
In a notable achievement, Keenan Allen became the Chargers' all-time receptions leader during the game, surpassing the legendary Antonio Gates. The Steelers, who fell to 6-4, will look to bounce back next week against the Bengals, while the Chargers will face the Jaguars on the road before heading into their Week 12 bye.
With this key victory, the Chargers not only improved their playoff positioning but also secured a significant tiebreaker against a fellow AFC contender.