'SNF' takeaways: Chargers defense clamps down in dominant win over Steelers

Quarterback Justin Herbert was 20-of-33 for 220 yards and a touchdown, but the elite performance from the Chargers defense was arguably the most impressive. From forcing three turnovers and a safety to holding Pittsburgh to 221 yards of total offense and only 11 first downs, the Chargers defense made it miserable for Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers' porous offense on the other side.

Aaron Rodgers has a game to forget

The veteran QB had passed for at least 200 yards in all but one game this season and four TDs twice coming into Week 10. He was nowhere near that production this time around, completing just 16 of his 31 passes for 161 yards, one TD and two interceptions.

As bad as the two picks and three sacks were, this pressure from All-Pro linebacker Khalil Mack forced a safety late in the opening quarter and produced the first points of the night for Los Angeles.

The three first downs in the opening half were tied for the second-fewest in Rodgers' career, per the NBC broadcast, and it did not get much better from there. With each receiver held to 35 yards or fewer, there was no firepower to the Steelers offense and it was brutal to watch from the four-time league MVP.

Keenan Allen makes Chargers history

The veteran WR only had two catches for 19 yards, but that was all he needed to pass Pro Football Hall of Famer Antonio Gates to become the franchise's all-time leader in receptions (956) on this pop pass with under three minutes to play.

The third-round pick from 2013 has had a sensational career, topping 1,000 receiving yards six times and recording 70 TD catches. Aside from the 2024 season with the Chicago Bears, Allen has spent his entire career with the Chargers and put himself in the record books in Sunday's win. 

Offensive line injuries continue to plague Chargers

Los Angeles has not been at full strength on its offensive line all season with the loss of tackle Rashawn Slater (ruptured patellar tendon) before the season even began. The Chargers were depleted even more on Sunday night with tackles Bobby Hart (knee/ankle) and Joe Alt (high ankle sprain) out of action.

Alt was placed on injured reserve earlier this week and his absence has definitely been felt. Coming into Week 10, the Chargers were 29th in pressure rate allowed (40%) in games he has not played. Although Herbert eventually found the end zone when he connected with WR Ladd McConkey on a 15-yard strike, he was sacked five times one week removed from a season-high six sacks in a Week 9 win over the Tennessee Titans.

The Chargers have a talented QB and an explosive defense, but the offensive line play is concerning, especially in more tightly-contested games down the stretch.