The Pittsburgh Steelers (2-4) thump the Los Angeles Chargers (2-4) during Sunday Night Football 24 – 17.
In a strange turn of events, the Steelers looked like the Steelers, a winning team. Powered by their 3rd year Pro Bowl running back, James Conner, the Steelers maintained control over the game even when the Chargers made a late rally.
James Conner
James Conner, with a total of 119 yards from scrimmage, was the “Human Joystick” that night:
16 carries, 41 yards rushing, 1 TD
7 catches (7 targets), 78 yards, 1 TD
(Pro-football-reference. Com)
Though his carries may look light, the way he extended plays with his athletic ability would make the “Bus” Jerome Bettis himself proud. In addition, the 2019 NFL Top 100 player (#62) showed athletic ability gaining yards after the catch, which was also highlight reel worthy (11.4 yards per catch). It’s fair to say that the man came to play!
Delvin Hodges:
What makes this win strange is that the team was without Ben Roethlisberger (main QB), and Mason Rudolph (2ndQB). They instead had a guy named Delvin Hodges. Who? The “who” isn’t important but what is important is that he had no interceptions and no fumbles. He could be the pizza guy for Pete’s sake just don’t turn the ball over!
Defense:
The Pittsburgh’s defense stood firm:
LB Devin Bush (#55): 4 solo tackles, 1 Int, 1 Fumble recovery TD.
CB Cameron Sutton (#20): had 1 Int, 3 passes defended, and 1 solo tackle
DE Anthony Chickillo and T.J Watt combined for 1 sack (.5 each).
Though Philip Rivers had 320 yards passing, and 2 touchdowns, most of his yards could be contributed to a late game rally that ended in an interception.
Reality Check
Make no mistake, the Pittsburgh aren’t going to the Super Bowl. This game, however, was worthy of recognition. Especially, since the Steelers’ lack luster start.
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