Oct 12, 2019 By Jim Wexell for The 5 min read

MEMORABLE SERIES MOMENT

Steelers 24, Chargers 20

Oct. 12, 2015 at Qualcomm Stadium

An overtime loss to the Ravens dropped the Steelers to 2-2 before they went to San Diego for a Monday night game. Ben Roethlisberger was out but he was credited with designing the 72-yard Mike Vick touchdown bomb to Markus Wheaton late in the third quarter that tied the game, 17-17. A 54-yard Chargers field goal gave them a 3-point lead late in the game, but Vick took over at the Pittsburgh 20 with 2:38 remaining and converted three third downs on a 15-yard pass to Darrius Heyward-Bey on third-and-1, a 24-yard scramble on third-and-6, and a 16-yard pass to Heath Miller on third-and-10 that put the ball at the San Diego 1 with 5 seconds left. The Steelers had a timeout remaining, and Roethlisberger mouthed the words “no dancing” to Le’Veon Bell in case they needed to run another play, but Bell took the direct snap and just got the ball into the end zone for the game-winner as time ran out.

TALE OF THE TAPE

“This is the opportunity for the Steelers to finally get over the hump with their running game. This is their best opportunity to rush for over 100 yards. Joey Bosa is an excellent pass-rusher for the Chargers but you can run right at him. He has a tendency to run around blocks from time to time, and their linebackers aren’t downhill bangers. None of them really get their downhill game going on. In fact, it takes them a little while to fill the gaps. They’re not Vince Williams so you’ve got an opportunity to rip off a nice chunk of yardage whenever one of those seams appears. They don’t fill; they’re chase-and-run guys, so I think this is an opportunity for the Steelers to get their running game going.” — Steelers Radio analyst Craig Wolfley.

TOP QUESTION

Can the Steelers cover Keenan Allen?

Last year, the Steelers allowed Allen, the Chargers slot receiver, to catch 14 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown in a 33-30 loss. On third-and-4 from the Pittsburgh 34 with 1:12 left, Allen caught a 12-yard pass to set up the game-winning field goal. Allen was covered by ILB Jon Bostic, which set off a firestorm directed at DC Keith Butler. This week, the Steelers will be without coverage ILB Mark Barron as they’ll try to cover Allen with a combination of slot cornerbacks and safeties.

GAME BREAKDOWN

What to look for from the Steelers on Sunday night in Carson, California.

ON OFFENSE:

Undrafted rookie QB Duck Hodges will make his first start, and OC Randy Fichtner said, “He likes to throw the ball and I don’t think he’s ever met a pass he doesn’t like.” But that just may be a ruse to set up the Chargers, who are 19th in rushing yards allowed per carry (4.6). The Steelers have a healthy James Conner running behind a healthy line that should have both tight ends, plus tackle Zach Banner available for the run game. Rookie Benny Snell will replace Jaylen Samuels as Conner’s backup. Snell’s also a better receiver than his college stats might indicate. At receiver, with James Washington out, look for Donte Moncrief to return with a cast on a dislocated left middle finger that’s hindered him since training camp.

ON DEFENSE:

CB Steven Nelson won’t play with a groin injury. That means the return of Artie Burns at right cornerback. The Steelers could also use either slot cornerback outside if Burns struggles. The Steelers will also be without Barron, their coverage linebacker, but Minkah Fitzpatrick can help ease the threat of Allen out of the slot. The Chargers will be without C Mike Pouncey, who joins LT Russell Okung on the injured list. The young Chargers’ line looks to sixth-year veteran RG Michael Schofield as its most senior player.

PREDICTION

In a basic handicap of a 5-game stat block, the Steelers — without much of a running game — hold a slight cumulative edge at the line of scrimmage (+0.2 per carry), and also have a better pass defense (yards-per-catch allowed). They’ve compiled those numbers against a much more difficult schedule (.680 to .413). The Steelers, at 1-4, are also desperate and seeking revenge for last year’s tough loss. Hodges shouldn’t hinder the offense any more than the other novice QB fill-in, Mason Rudolph. The Chargers also have injury problems on their offensive line against a fast-developing Steelers front, so here’s the upset … Steelers, 20-17.

PARTING SHOT

“Ever since I threw my first touchdown pass when I was five years old, I’ve loved the game. I love playing QB. I love everything about the game, about the position. I love having the ball in my hands every snap. It is just a fun game for me and something I have enjoyed since I was five.” — Steelers rookie QB Duck Hodges.