The Los Angeles defense sacked Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers three times and picked him off twice

A football game can be won in a multitude of fashions.

Dominating the trenches, winning the turnover battle, and maintaining time of possession are all ways to get the job done.

But limiting a future Hall of Famer and a four-time NFL Most Valuable Player to one of the worst performances of his career can also ensure a victory.

And that is exactly what the Los Angeles Chargers did in their 25-10 trouncing of the Pittsburgh Steelers at SoFi Stadium on Sunday night for the team’s third consecutive victory. Rodgers was brought down three times, once for a safety in the first quarter courtesy of outside linebacker Khalil Mack, and picked off twice.

The 41-year-old signal caller was limited to a 51.6% completion percentage and just 161 passing yards and one score, a touchdown which came in the dying embers of a game that was otherwise already finished.

Opposite the field, Chargers signal caller Justin Herbert threw for 220 yards and one score, largely limited to screen passes and short-yardage concepts. However, wide receiver and slot threat Ladd McConkey had a day, boasting four receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown. 

His score, a 15-yard route that left Steelers slot cornerback Brandin Echols in the dust, opened the game and gave the Chargers a two-possession lead going into the half. McConkey almost scored a second time on a 58-yard pass, on which he blew past Echols again, until he was brought down at Pittsburgh’s 13-yard line by Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey.

Apart from the Georgia graduate, running back Kimani Vidal took advantage of the weak Steelers rush defense, running for 95 yards and a score on 25 carries. 

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Vidal’s performance comes a week after the Steelers limited Indianapolis Colts tailback – and the NFL leader in rushing yards, attempts, and touchdowns – Jonathan Taylor to just 45 ground yards.

Despite the low-scoring affair, the Chargers’ offense was full of highlights and special moments, as wide receiver Keenan Allen broke the franchise record in receptions – breaking Hall of Fame tight end and longtime Charger Antonio Gates’ record – with his two-reception performance.

In addition to the offensive fanfare, two former Steelers made their mark on the game. 

Former first-round pick and outside linebacker Bud Dupree sacked Rodgers in the first half, tallying his first quarterback takedown of the year on the team he spent the first six years of his career on.

Furthermore, former Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson – who Pittsburgh acquired from the Carolina Panthers when they traded away former star receiver Dionate Johnson – recorded the second interception of the game, an errant pass that went off the hands of pass catcher Calvin Austin III and ultimately sealed the fate of the affair.

Jackson’s interception marked his second of the year and was one facet of his performance guarding Steelers wide receiver No. 1 DK Metcalf, whom he, with the help of safety Derwin James, held to three receptions for 35 yards.

While the Chargers dominated the contest through its entirety, the Los Angeles offensive line continues to show holes, allowing the Steelers’ front seven to register five sacks

The Chargers will face the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on Sunday in their next game, where they can extend their winning streak to four.