Bolts’ OL faces tall task, 4 other things to know about Chargers vs. Steelers

Jim Harbaugh’s club is seemingly back on track after a rough stretch. The Chargers face a big challenge on Sunday night in the unpredictable Steelers.

Aug 16, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, center Bradley Bozeman (75), guard Jamaree Salyer (68) and guard Zion Johnson (77) enter the field before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

As the injuries continue to pile up, the Los Angeles Chargers have been forced to win in many ways this season. Last Sunday at Tennessee, the Bolts had to overcome a pick-six thrown by Justin Herbert and some shaky work by the special teams to post a hard-earned 27-20 victory over the Titans.

This week, the competition is a bit stiffer. The AFC North leading Pittsburgh Steelers will be at SoFi Stadium on Sunday evening looking to build off their upset of the Indianapolis Colts. Mike Tomlin’s team has been erratic, and the Steelers’ defense hasn’t stopped many opponents this season unless they've managed to take away the football.

What Pittsburgh does have this season is quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is playing his best football since 2021. Can Jim Harbaugh’s team avoid a third loss at home this season?

Chargers vs. Steelers History

A year ago, the Steelers handed Jim Harbaugh’s first loss as Chargers’ head coach—a 20-10 setback in Pittsburgh in Week 3. In terms of more modern history, these teams have alternated wins in each of their last six meetings dating back to 2012. Four years ago on a Sunday night at SoFi Stadium, which happens to be the last time the Bolts hosted this series, the Bolts outlasted the Steelers, 41-37. Chargers’ quarterback Justin Herbert and company rolled up 533 total yards in the four-point victory.

Chargers’ Run Defense Has Been Spotty

In his 21st NFL season and first in Pittsburgh, Steelers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been very steady for Tomlin’s inconsistent club. He’s hitting on 68.7 percent of his pass for 1,692 yards, 17 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. Pittsburgh’s offense has totaled a respectable 22 touchdowns in eight games.

Only two teams in the league are averaging fewer rushing yards per game than Pittsburgh (87.3). Tomlin’s team has been limited to fewer than 100 yards in five of their eight outings. The Chargers’ defense has allowed just 90.5 yards per game rushing in their six wins, but 148.0 yards per game in three losses.

Sep 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) in action during the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Keep an Eye on Steelers’ OLB Alex Highsmith

He comes off an outing which earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Alex Highsmith totaled four tackles, a pair of sacks, knocked down a pass and forced a fumble in the win over the Colts. Nursing an ankle injury, he’s tied for third on the Steelers with 3.5 QB traps despite missing two games.

Even with their various injuries in the backfield and their issues on the offensive front, the Bolts are averaging 124.0 yards per game on the ground—good enough for 10th in the NFL. In their last two games, the Chargers have totaled 43 and 30 running plays, respectively. That’s their two highest figures of 2025.

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