The Pittsburgh Steelers just beat the best team in the NFL. However, that doesn’t mean things get any easier for them. They’re playing the 6-3 Los Angeles Chargers this week. The Chargers are one of the best teams in the AFC, so this will be another test for the Steelers. Chris Simms believes that Pittsburgh’s ground game will be key in this matchup.

“When you play the Chargers, if you can’t run the ball, then fucking pack up and go home,” Simms said Thursday on his Unbuttoned podcast. “You’re done. Because if you think you’re gonna throw a little four-yard slant and three-yard throw and do that against the Chargers, no way. Absolutely not.

“When you allow the Chargers to play pass defense, they will absolutely destroy you. Will Pittsburgh run the ball, can they run it effectively enough? I don’t know about that.”

The Chargers’ defense is one of the league’s best, ranking sixth overall. However, like Simms mentions, its strength lies in stopping the pass. The Chargers’ run defense is more middle of the pack, ranking 17th. Therefore, the Steelers might be better off pounding the ball on the ground this week.

That shouldn’t be too hard for them. Arthur Smith’s scheme places a lot of importance on running the ball well. While the Steelers have had some disappointing rushing performances, including only running for 38 total yards last Sunday, they’ve got a good formula to get their run game going.

That starts with their jumbo package. The Steelers’ run game has been at its best with TE Darnell Washington and Spencer Anderson, as a sixth offensive lineman, on the field. Having all those big bodies on the field has sparked the Steelers on the ground.

Unfortunately, it’s unclear how much they’ll be able to lean on that strategy this week. Starting left guard Isaac Seumalo left the Colts game with a pec injury, and it remains to be seen if he’ll play Sunday night. That would force Anderson into the starting lineup.

We’ll see how that impacts the Steelers’ game plan against the Chargers. Ultimately, Simms doesn’t believe that Pittsburgh has what it takes to beat the Chargers.

“This Chargers offense, they drop back and they attack. One of the top offenses in football. It’s because Justin Herbert is making about as many plays in the pocket as anybody in the game,” Simms said. “I think that will ultimately be the problem with the game. The Chargers’ offense, too aggressive. I don’t think the Steelers can handle them, and I don’t think the Steelers’ offense will keep pace.”

The Chargers’ offense presents a whole host of different issues. Herbert is the biggest problem, though. He’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He’s thrown for 2,390 yards, 18 touchdowns, and eight interceptions this season, and he’s added 305 rushing yards. The Steelers’ defense just found its footing last week, and it might need to put in another stellar performance this week.

The Steelers take pride in running the ball and playing defense. They’ll need to do both those things well to beat the Chargers. While they’ve struggled with consistency in both departments, they’ve shown promise at times. We’ll see which version of the Steelers shows up this week.