Chargers Head to Pittsburgh Looking to Prove They’re Contenders

The Chargers are heading into Pittsburgh with a lot of confidence after getting off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2012. The players have bought into the style of play that Jim Harbaugh has instilled, and the team is starting to believe in the possibility of at least securing a Wild Card spot in the 2024 season. Offensive coordinators Greg Roman and Jim Harbaugh are quickly establishing their identity on offense, while the Chargers’ passing game has seen early improvements, particularly from wide receiver Quentin Johnston. Johnston, who has already scored two touchdowns, needs to continue progressing. His development is crucial for the Chargers as they aim to balance their aerial attack with a strong running game, ultimately taking pressure off the ground attack.

On the offensive line, Joe Alt has been as impressive as advertised, neutralizing elite pass rushers like Max Crosby in the opener and Jadeveon Clowney in Week 2. Alt, paired with Rayshawn Slater, is forming what could become the best tackle duo in the league. Meanwhile, running back J.K. Dobbins has been a standout, defying expectations after recovering from multiple injuries. Through two games, Dobbins has racked up 266 yards on just 27 carries, averaging an astounding 9.9 yards per carry, along with two touchdowns. His explosiveness and ability to make defenders miss in the open field have given the Chargers a consistent spark on offense.

While the wide receivers remain young and inexperienced, their development will be key to the Chargers’ offensive consistency. More production is needed from this group, as they work through their learning curve. However, the Chargers’ 2-0 start, with victories over the Las Vegas Raiders and Carolina Panthers, has shown the team’s physicality, grit, and toughness—hallmarks of a Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman-led offense.

Despite these wins, many around the league have been cautious to give the Chargers too much credit, noting that they have beaten teams they were expected to. However, this alone is an improvement, as the team has often faltered in similar situations in recent years.

On defense, new defensive coordinator Jessie Minter has made an immediate impact. With a defense already stacked with talent—Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Derwin James, and Tui Tuipulotu—the additions of Denzel Perryman, Bud Dupree, Tear Tart, and Poona Ford have only strengthened the unit. Newly acquired Elijah Molden, son of former Chargers player Alex Molden, shined in his debut against the Panthers, making several key plays, including a critical interception. Minter’s focus on simplifying the defense has allowed the players to play faster, more physical football without overthinking assignments. The results have been immediate, with the defense looking vastly improved from its struggles under Brandon Staley.

As the Chargers prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers, they’ll be facing a team that mirrors their own physical and defensive style. The Steelers, also undefeated, boast a strong defense that excels at getting after the quarterback. Head coach Mike Tomlin, a Super Bowl champion and one of the most consistent coaches in the league, will have his team ready for the challenge. Tomlin, who has never had a losing season in his 17 years of coaching, understands what to expect from a Jim Harbaugh-led team, setting up a likely low-scoring, defensive slugfest.

On the offensive side, the Steelers continue to struggle with inconsistency, particularly at the quarterback position. Russell Wilson is nursing a calf injury, while Justin Fields has struggled with accuracy and ball security, including issues with fumbles. The Steelers’ offense has also been plagued by penalties and a lack of weapons outside of George Pickens, making them somewhat one-dimensional. This week, the Chargers may need to lean more on quarterback Justin Herbert and the receiving corps, as the Steelers’ defense will likely focus on slowing down J.K. Dobbins and the Chargers’ power run game.

The Chargers have built their identity around a ground-and-pound style of football, far removed from the high-powered offenses of years past. They are now built to run downhill, wear down opponents, and break them in the fourth quarter. Sunday’s game against the Steelers could resemble the old-school Ravens vs. Steelers matchups, where both teams exchanged body blows, and the team that avoided turnovers emerged victorious.

This week’s matchup will be an important measuring stick for the Chargers. In the coming weeks, they will face both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, two teams with top-five defenses that can match the Chargers’ physicality and toughness. If the Chargers can emerge from Week 4 with a 3-1 or 4-0 record, they’ll need to be considered serious contenders in the AFC.

Stay tuned—this season is just heating up.