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The Los Angeles Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers met in Week 3 of the NFL season trying to keep themselves in an undefeated start. Even though Justin Herbert was injured for most of the week, he was still active, while the Steelers started Justin Fields for the third straight week.
The match started at 1 p.m. ET, and the referee was Alex Kemp. The game was mostly a tight contest, with both teams preferring to use the running game more aggressively and keep the passing game as an option.
Chargers vs. Steelers box score
Chargers box score
Quarterback
Rushing and receiving
Defense
Steelers box score
Quarterback
Rushing and receiving
Defense
Chargers vs. Steelers game summary
This was a tale of two halves - and the Steelers, at least, showed up to both of them. With two undefeated teams battling for the win, having a backup quarterback who could play was massive for Pittsburgh's aspirations - while Los Angeles had to deal with a banged-up Justin Herbert.
Pittsburgh dominated in the second half and that was the big difference. They were able to control the line of scrimmage with five sacks in the second half, with Nick Herbig proving to be a difference-maker. More importantly, T. J. Watt remains a force of nature.
This was another game where the Steelers started Justin Fields at quarterback and he was unleashed in the second half. While he's one of the most effective runners in the NFL, the key to winning games against stronger teams will be all about passing the ball effectively.
The more concerning point to the visitors isn't about the loss itself. Herbert, who was banged up during the week of practice due to a high ankle sprain, aggravated the injury in the third quarter and had to leave the game. Taylor Heinicke took over, but he's nowhere near the same level, and the game was over there.
Pittsburgh is now 3-0 and firmly in the fight for the AFC North, which could come as a surprise for analysts based on the initial previews. But the Steelers are there to make a good fight.
