The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off of a big win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9 as Pittsburgh was able to take down the hottest team in the NFL. The Colts had established one of the most daunting offenses in the league over the course of the 2025 season, and they came into the matchup with the best record in the league. Pittsburgh's defense finally showed up and put forth a dominating performance as the group tallied six turnovers and five sacks, and it is some momentum that will hopefully carry over into a tough game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
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Steelers' TJ Watt stares at Colts' Daniel Jones before snapping the ball during the 2025 season.
The Chargers present a lot of issues for Pittsburgh as the franchise has one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in Justin Herbert, but he is playing behind a beat up offensive line as Los Angeles is without both of their starting tackles. This should be an ideal matchup for Pittsburgh's pass rushers, as both Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt should be able to get to Herbert consistently.
Herbert spoke about Pittsburgh's defense during his press conference on Thursday, and he had a lot of good things to say about the group.
"Yeah they're very good, very good," Herbert said. "They're going to get after the passer. They've got two of the best edge rushers in the NFL. Got some very good cover guys on the back end and some very fast and athletic linebackers. Combine all that together, you're going to get a very good defense. Turn on the tape and it doesn't take long for you to see that."
Herbert is aware that he may be vulnerable during this game, and playing behind a beat up offensive line is nothing new for the quarterback. He has still found ways to be affective throughout his career, and that will likely be no different on Sunday Night Football in Week 10. He is one of the best in the league, and Pittsburgh's defense cannot get complacent after a good game heading into a favorable matchup.
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Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh (left) greets his quarterback Justin Herbert (right) as Los Angeles is in the middle of a professional football game.
The Steelers took down Herbert and the Chargers near the start of the 2024 season, but the quarterback was hobbled going into the game and exited before the contest concluded. Herbert has gotten the best of Pittsburgh in the past, as he led Los Angeles to a 41-37 win over the Black and Gold during the 2021 season. He threw for 382 yards in the game and three touchdowns, while also using his legs to pick up 90 yards on the ground. This is something that will be a threat on Sunday as he will be looking to break the pocket quite a bit.
On paper, this is a game that Pittsburgh should be able to win, but the defense cannot afford to revert to its old ways. Another dominant performance is needed, especially since the offense has been stalling out over the last couple of weeks towards the end of the games.
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Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey makes a tackle on Colts tight end Tyler Warren during Pittsburgh's 27-20 win in Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season.
Steelers' Coverage Has To Be Tight Against The Chargers
Pittsburgh's pass rush has been criticized throughout the 2025 season, and the group certainly deserves some blame for its lack of production. However, most of the issues stem from coverage. The Steelers have been giving opposing quarterbacks their first read far too often, which essentially negates a pass rush and gives players like Watt and Highsmith no time to get to the quarterback. If the coverage group for the Steelers can force Herbert to hold onto the football, it will be a recipe for success and it will allow the pass rush to feast against a beat up offensive line. Stopping the run always comes first for the Steelers, but good coverage is going to be vital.
What do you think about the Steelers' chances heading into Los Angeles? Let us know in the comments below!
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