The Pittsburgh Steelers enter into Week 3 as one of nine teams with an undefeated record. The Steelers are preparing to take on the Los Angeles Chargers in a battle of unbeaten teams. With new Head Coach Jim Harbaugh at the helm, the Chargers have reinvented themselves as a mirror image of the Steelers: a team that relies on a strong run game and stout defense. Two of the NFL's premier defenses will be tasked with making an impact against offenses looking to finally get off the ground.
The black and gold will have Justin Fields under center for a third straight game, as Russell Wilson continues to rehab his lingering calf issue. The team will also be without rookie offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, after he was ruled out Saturday with a knee injury that he suffered late during the week of preparation. This means the team will turn to second-year tackle Broderick Jones, who was benched for Fautanu, to rebound from a rough performance against the Denver Broncos. The goal will be to spring open the run game.
Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has leaned on his young offensive line, and solid run game in 2024 to stay ahead of the chains and put the offense in position to dominate time of possession. It hasn't looked clean at times, but progress has continued week-to-week. Despite this progression, former Chargers All-Pro fullback Lorenzo Neal, cast his doubt towards the running backs’ abilities to take over games.
"You watch Najee Harris running the ball for the Steelers, their running game to me, has not been anything. They don't have big-play ability. If you tackle him and keep him in the box, Najee runs high, tries to run hard, but they don't scare me. They're not game changing backs or playmaking backs. They run okay."
Though it has worked perfectly into Smith's game plan, the Steelers have yet to record a 100-yard rusher in 2024. This comes knowing that the Steelers have 278 yards as a team, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. It's interesting that despite the fact the Steelers enter into Sunday second in the NFL in rushing attempts at 77, the team has yet to have that dominant moment this season. As chemistry builds, the hope is that the offense will finally be able to erupt and carry the team for the first time this season. However, for this to succeed, the Steelers will need help from their running backs to go from good to great.
Steelers’ Offseason Decisions Receiving An Explanation
During the 2024 offseason, not only did Head Coach Mike Tomlin invest in the offensive line, but the team also made the decision to decline former first-round pick Najee Harris' fifth-year option. The move came as a surprise to Steelers fans, who watched Harris become the first player in Steelers history to record 1,000 yards rushing in each of his first three seasons. However, through two games, Harris hasn't been able to place himself in the upper level of NFL rushers. Harris enters Week 3 as the leagues 17th best rusher, despite being seventh in carries. For Harris to earn a contract extension this offseason, he will need to establish success in a scheme that features its run and play action pass game.
The Steelers will have their work cut out for them on Sunday, as the Chargers expect Justin Herbert to play despite the high ankle sprain suffered against the Carolina Panthers last week. Regardless of who is under center, the black and gold know they have an opportunity to cement themselves as one of the best teams in the AFC if they can record a victory. Harris and Jaylen Warren have heard their fair share of criticism all offseason, but in another matchup that will require their best, the two will have to block out the outside noise yet again and work to become more efficient as a unit.
