Pittsburgh, PA — The Los Angeles Chargers improved to 3-0 on the season with a 41-25 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in a hard-fought road contest at Acrisure Stadium. The game showcased the Chargers’ offensive firepower and defensive playmaking, as quarterback Justin Herbert once again delivered a standout performance, while the defense continued to capitalize on turnovers.
Herbert Dominates with Four Touchdowns
Justin Herbert’s hot start to the 2024-2025 season continued in Week 3, as the Chargers’ star quarterback threw for 305 yards and four touchdowns, completing 14 of 21 passes. The Steelers’ defense struggled to contain Herbert’s deep ball, and the Chargers took full advantage of mismatches in the secondary.
Herbert’s top target of the day was rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who had his breakout game. The fifth-round pick out of Georgia caught four passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns, including a 50-yard score that left the Steelers’ defensive backs trailing in his wake. “It felt great to contribute and make some big plays,” McConkey said after the game. “I’ve been working hard to build chemistry with Justin, and today, everything just clicked.”
Quentin Johnston, the Chargers’ explosive second-year receiver, also played a pivotal role in the passing game. Johnston hauled in three catches for 126 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown that effectively sealed the game. With his size, speed, and playmaking ability, Johnston continues to emerge as one of Herbert’s favorite deep threats capable of beating any defensive back. “Ladd and Quentin both made huge plays,” Herbert said. “When you’ve got guys who can stretch the field like that, it makes everything easier for the offense.”
Justin Herbert has been touted as a top-10 quarterback for most of his career, but there’s a huge difference between top-10 and top-3 also known as the MVP conversation. Herbert has never been in the conversation for that award come season’s end, and as the momentum builds, that has to be on his mind.
Balanced Rushing Attack Keeps Steelers Defense on Edge
Though the passing game stole the headlines, the Chargers’ rushing attack was equally effective, employing a true committee approach that kept the Steelers guessing. Los Angeles utilized all four of their rostered running backs, spreading the workload and maintaining a balanced offensive approach.
Hassan Haskins led the team with 10 carries for 40 yards, while Kimani Vidal added 39 yards on seven carries. J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards also contributed, tallying 38 receiving yards and 47 rushing yards respectively as Dobbins contributes in the pass game, while Edwards runs hard. Although none of the backs found the end zone, the collective effort allowed the Chargers to control the tempo and keep the Steelers’ defense honest.
“We trust all our backs to make plays,” said Chargers head coach Jay Cee. “It’s not about one guy—it’s about the group, and today everyone contributed. It helps us stay fresh and wear down the defense.” This balanced rushing attack also complemented the play-action game, opening up deep shots for Herbert and creating mismatches downfield. Once again, the Chargers are winning at the line of scrimmage, even against tough front sevens. That continues to be their key to victory week in and week out.
Chargers Defense Steps Up with Key Turnovers
On the defensive side, the Chargers were far from perfect, allowing 322 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Steelers quarterback Justin Fields put up a solid performance, completing 19 of 28 passes for 347 yards and one touchdown. Fields found success connecting with his top two receivers—George Pickens and Calvin Austin III—who combined for 196 yards and one touchdown. Pickens, in particular, was a force, catching five passes for 111 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown.
However, the Chargers’ defense came through when it mattered most, generating two key takeaways that shifted the game’s momentum. Rookie cornerbacks Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart, both fifth-round picks, each recorded an interception for the second straight week, continuing their impressive starts to the season. They have had a lot of rookie moments against top-tier wide receivers, but they have impressed in their physicality and ability to learn and grow in such a short amount of time.
Hart’s interception was particularly game-changing as for the second straight week he read the QB’s eyes, jumped a route and ran untouched into the endzone for a massive pick-six. “We’ve been practicing situations like that all week,” Hart said. “I saw the quarterback’s eyes, trusted my read, and went for it. Scoring a touchdown on defense is always a great feeling.”
Still, who also had a crucial interception in the close game, added, “We’re just doing our jobs. The coaches put us in the right spots, and we’ve been able to make plays. It’s all about preparation.”
In addition to the interceptions, the Chargers’ defensive front pressured Fields throughout the game, tallying three sacks. Teair Tart, Joey Bosa, and Poona Ford each registered a sack, disrupting Fields’ rhythm and forcing hurried throws.
Steelers’ Ground Game Strong but Not Enough
While the Steelers struggled to protect the football, they found success on the ground, led by running back Najee Harris. Harris was a workhorse for Pittsburgh, rushing for 147 yards on 21 carries and scoring two touchdowns. His powerful running kept the Steelers in the game early, as he bulldozed through defenders and broke off several chunk plays. Harris added four catches for 25 yards, providing a dual-threat option for Fields.
Despite Harris’ performance, the Steelers couldn’t overcome the turnovers and defensive lapses, particularly in the secondary. Pittsburgh’s inability to stop the Chargers’ big plays through the air proved to be their downfall. The Chargers will look to clean up their run defense so they can keep opposing offenses to second and third downs that are less manageable.
Rookie Corners Continue to Shine
The Chargers’ decision to start two rookie cornerbacks in Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart is paying off in a big way. Both players have now recorded interceptions in back-to-back games, with Hart’s pick-six against the Steelers marking his second defensive touchdown of the season. Their quick development has given the Chargers’ secondary a much-needed boost, particularly in creating takeaways.
“They’ve been huge for us,” said Jay Cee. “For two rookies to come in and play with that level of confidence and poise—it’s impressive. We’ve always believed in them, and they’re proving us right.” Maryland and Notre Dame fans have to be proud of their production thus far for the Chargers.
Looking Ahead
With the win, the Chargers move to 3-0 and will return home to face the Kansas City Chiefs in a key AFC West showdown with both teams undefeated. Herbert’s MVP-level start to the season will clash with Patrick Mahomes who is always MVP-level. The defense’s ability to generate turnovers and pressure will be tested. “We’re taking it one game at a time,” Herbert said. “There’s a lot of football left, but we’re in a good spot. We just need to keep building on what we’ve done.” The Chargers’ undefeated start has them looking like true contenders, and if Herbert continues to play at this level, the sky is the limit for Los Angeles in 2024. The week 4 matchup will lead Los Angeles into a bye, meaning there’s extra momentum to be gained or lost. Can they set the tone that they are the team to beat in the AFC West and maybe even the whole league?
