Steelers' Defense Aims to Exploit Chargers' Offensive Line Weaknesses

The Pittsburgh Steelers are aiming to exploit the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive line weaknesses as they prepare for their upcoming matchup. The Chargers are currently grappling with significant injuries along their offensive line, including the absence of starting tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt.

This situation has created an opportunity for the Steelers' pass rush to potentially dominate against a struggling Chargers unit. According to Steelers Depot, the Chargers have allowed 28 sacks this season, while the Steelers have recorded 27, setting the stage for a compelling battle in the trenches.

The Steelers' defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin, has acknowledged the challenges they face, particularly in containing the Chargers' rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden, who has been effective in stretching the field with 32 catches for 453 yards this season.

Despite their struggles against tight ends historically, the Steelers managed to contain tight end Tyler Warren in their last game, but Austin is wary of repeating previous mistakes against Gadsden. The Steelers' strategy will likely involve focusing on shutting down the Chargers' run game, which has been hampered by injuries, forcing Los Angeles into a one-dimensional offense.

This approach aligns with their goal of generating turnovers and sacks, especially given that Chargers' quarterback Justin Herbert is taking sacks at a career-worst rate, nearly eight percent. Moreover, the Steelers have shown promise with their pass rush, as they recently induced significant turnovers against the Colts.

However, they need to remain cautious, as the Chargers could counteract their pass rush with quick throws and max protection schemes, as noted by Pro Football Focus. The stakes are high for both teams; a win for the Steelers would bolster their playoff chances to 70%, while a loss would drop them to 45%.

With the Steelers' defense coming off a strong performance, they are looking to capitalize on the Chargers' offensive line vulnerabilities, making this matchup a critical one for their postseason aspirations.