The defense in particular was key in shutting down the Steelers offense for the majority of the game.
The unit notched 3.0 sacks, five passes defensed and forced two turnovers as they kept the Pittsburgh offense uneasy throughout the night.
They’ve been a force over the last several weeks, and it’s why USA Today believes they have one of the AFC’s best defenses.
Over their last three contests, the Chargers have allowed an average of 13.3 points per game. They have a nice mix of veteran talent at all three levels – highlighted by Khalil Mack, Denzel Perryman and Derwin James Jr. – but have also seen plenty of younger players, like Tuli Tuipulotu and Daiyan Henley, start to hit their stride. That’s the recipe for a quality stop unit, and one that could help the Chargers greatly as they look to win the AFC West for the first time since 2009.
The Chargers now sit at 7-3 and currently occupy the No. 5 seed in the conference ahead of their Week 11 matchup against the Jaguars, who are in the seventh seed.
And with the Chargers only a game back from the AFC West, pundits are not overlooking the Bolts.
This is a tough team that can go toe to toe with anyone. When it comes to the AFC West, everyone keeps talking about the Broncos and Chiefs, but you might want to start paying attention to the Chargers because this team is dangerous (and they’ve already beaten both Kansas City and Denver).
Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski wrote:
They have enough talent to overcome key losses and win games with their physical identity … but don’t discount this team’s playoff hopes and what it can do in January.