Steelers Scouting Report: L.A. Chargers, Week 10

Steel City Underground scouts the Pittsburgh Steelers’ opponents each week of the 2025 NFL regular season ahead of the games to preview the upcoming matchup with a focus on key players, potential outcomes, news, and the latest social media chatter.

The Los Angeles Chargers entered this season off an 11-5 2024 campaign under head coach Jim Harbaugh, and their 2025 schedule is among one of the tougher ones in the league – rated tied for the 11th-hardest based on last season’s opponent win-percentage (.522). Through nine games they sit at 6-3, second in the AFC West. For the Pittsburgh Steelers – the Chargers’ NFL Week 10 opponent – this upcoming matchup looks like another pivotal “get right” game. The Chargers present several threats, and Pittsburgh must be at the top of their game.

The Chargers offense

Quarterback Justin Herbert remains the engine of the offense. He was ranked No. 56 in ESPN’s Top 100 for 2025. ESPN’s Mike Clay projected  Herbert (this season) would throw for 3,741 yards with 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions, while also adding another 237 yards and two scores on the ground. Through nine weeks, Herbert has completed 220 of 335 passes for 2,390 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, showing he may meet – or surpass – his predicted trajectory.

Herbert has been building chemistry with second-year receiver Ladd McConkey and veterans like Keenan Allen. McConkey leads the receiving group, with 524 yards so far. The Chargers added depth via Allen, and additions such as Tre’ Harris are in place.

Against the Steelers, Herbert’s efficiency and ability to exploit mismatches will be a focal point.

On the ground, Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins figure to share rushing duties. For Pittsburgh, defending the run without over-committing will be key.

With Herbert at the helm, the Chargers are dangerous vertically, especially when McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Allen stretch the field.

Offensive line woes

The Los Angeles offensive line faces significant injury setbacks. With star offensive tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater now both out for the season (Slater was injured in training camp), the Chargers needed a high-upside player to come in and help along the line. Offensive lineman Trevor Penning was brought in ahead of the trade deadline in a deal with the New Orleans Saints.

Aside from Slater and Alt, others such as Mekhi Becton, Trey Pipkins III, Austin Deculus and Jamaree Salyer have all been banged up this season. And Bobby Hart, who was signed in October and has since started three games at right tackle, left Sunday’s game with ankle and groin injuries.

With the way the Steelers dismantled the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9 using a mixture of pressures and blitzes, a weak or out of sync Chargers O-line could spell disaster.

The Chargers defense

The Chargers defense is anchored by veteran safety Derwin James Jr. Linebacker Daiyan Henley is emerging as a leading tackler (61 tackles so far) on the unit. However, one weakness is the Chargers’ interior defensive line, especially against the run.

Pittsburgh can look to exploit that by getting downhill with their running game and by having tight ends challenge the middle of the field – something they have shown some success at this season.

Los Angeles plays under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter in a base 3-4 scheme with more emphasis on speed, coverage versatility and generating pressure off the edge (via players like Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu). But as noted, if the Steelers can attack the interior, they may force the Chargers into uncomfortable spots.

Final thoughts

The Chargers present a well-rounded challenge: a potent passing game anchored by Herbert, improved receiver depth, and a defense that has playmakers. However, their injuries – especially along the offensive line and in the running-back room – leave vulnerabilities the Steelers should target.

If the Steelers come in with discipline, leverage their edge rushers, and execute their run game, they can force L.A. into uncomfortable adjustments. Conversely, if Herbert gets time and space, the Chargers are capable of putting up quick points and making the Steelers chase.

This game will be a battle of execution. The Chargers will test Pittsburgh’s fundamentals; the Steelers must respond both physically and mentally.