Rodgers, Steelers Falter Across the Board in Deflating Loss to Chargers

Coming into Sunday Night, the Pittsburgh Steelers were winless in primetime games. Tonight would be no exception as they fell in embarrassing fashion to the Los Angeles Chargers to a score of 25-10 at So-Fi Stadium. The loss drops the Steelers overall record to 5-4 and 0-3 in primetime games this season.

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Game Recap

After another unsuccessful offensive series by the Chargers, Steelers kicker Chris Boswell opened the scoring with a 59-yard field goal, giving Pittsburgh a 3–0 lead.

Disaster struck on the Steelers’ third offensive possession when linebacker Khalil Mack sacked quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the end zone, resulting in a safety and narrowing the lead to 3–2.

Following a missed field goal by Boswell, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert orchestrated a 13-play, 51-yard drive that culminated in a field goal, putting Los Angeles ahead 5–3 in the second quarter.

Late in the half, Rodgers’ pass intended for receiver DK Metcalf was intercepted. The Chargers capitalized with a 38-yard drive, ending in a touchdown pass to receiver Ladd McConkey, extending their lead to a commanding 12–3 before halftime.

In the third quarter, after another stalled Steelers drive, the Chargers added a field goal following a 36-yard series, pushing the score to 15–3.

A missed field goal by the Chargers gave the Steelers possession late in the third quarter. Pittsburgh drove the length of the field but failed to score, allowing Los Angeles to maintain its comfortable lead.

On the ensuing drive, the Chargers struck again with a 58-yard completion to McConkey, followed by a rushing touchdown from running back Kimani Vidal, widening the gap to 22–3.

Midway through the fourth quarter, the Chargers added insult to injury when former Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson intercepted a deflected pass off the hands of receiver Calvin Austin III.

On the ensuing kickoff, rookie receiver Ke'Shawn Williams signaled for a fair catch, but the ball bounced off him and was recovered by Chargers linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips. The Chargers capitalized once again, converting the turnover into a field goal to extend their lead to 25–3.

Late in the quarter, the Steelers finally reached the end zone after a 65-yard drive, capped by a 27-yard touchdown pass to receiver Roman Wilson. With the successful extra point, they narrowed the deficit to 25–10, which would ultimately be the final score.

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Aaron Rodgers Struggles

It was a forgettable outing for Aaron Rodgers, who threw two interceptions and failed to record a touchdown pass until late in the fourth quarter. Running back Jaylen Warren provided a bright spot, finishing with 105 total yards, while rookie receiver Roman Wilson contributed 35 yards on two catches, including the Steelers’ only touchdown of the game.

Despite the floodgates opening for the Steelers defense midway through the third quarter, they still managed to hold the Chargers offense to under 200 total yards. Leading the charge for the second consecutive week was linebacker Alex Highsmith, who recorded two sacks and three quarterback hits. Defensive tackle Keeanu Benton also made his presence felt, adding a sack and two tackles for loss in the effort.