By Korbin McCarthy
The Chargers have been stellar the entire season defensively and that showed in their Sunday night primetime match up against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first half, the Chargers held the Steelers to just 3 points, picked off future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers twice and caused a safety by sacking Rodgers in their own end zone. The Steelers, who are historically known for their defense have struggled on the defensively this season.
During the Sunday night match up the Chargers dominated in all three phases of the game. The defense put on a clinic all night long. The special teams unit showed up big, with kicker Cameron Dicker kicking a 59 yard field goal and the offense turned it on in the second half after getting off to a slow start. Despite the dominance of the defense, the biggest highlight of the night was Keenan Allen becoming the Chargers All-time reception leader passing his former teammate and Hall of Famer Antonio Gates
The Chargers defense led by Derwin James and Khalil Mack is the reason why they are one of the most elite teams in the AFC. The All-pro Mack imposed his will on the Steelers offense, coming up with a sack for a safety. The veteran linebacker is quietly putting together another great season. It’s reflective in the Chargers’ 7-3 record, as they currently sit in second place in the AFC West. With Mack’s sack for a safety, he became the second player in NFL history behind Kevin Greene to record at least thirty-five sacks with 3 different teams.
The Chargers’ other All-Pro, Safety Derwin James, continues to lead the team. He spoke on what the primetime audience can learn from this Chargers defense.
“We are one of the top defenses and we are only going to get better every week. I feel like everybody came out and did their part. Just keep stacking the days and we’ll be good,” said James. “Making it about us, when you make it about you and you execute your game plan it doesn’t matter what they do. So, we made it about us, made plays on the ball, tackled in space and it was good,” he added.
Chargers’ linebacker Daiyan Henley echoed the same James’ sentiments. “We aren’t chasing perfection every game, we are talking about being perfect one play at a time. So, for us it’s play after play, down after down being perfect like that. So, what you’ve seen right there is a team trying to make a statement,” said Henley.
The best moment of the night might have come late in the fourth quarter when long-time Chargers wide receiver Allen secured a catch to move him into first place in all-time receptions in Chargers’ history.
“I think that was the best part, through it all, being with the guys, seeing their emotions. It made it a very special moment,” said Allen.
Allen is a leader on and off the field. To have the ability to continue producing at a high level, year after year takes a lot of hard work and dedication. He credits he work ethic to his longevity and consistency.
“Its hats off to the work, I’m always putting in the work in the off season. We’re not too loud with it. We don’t post everything, but the work is definitely put in so when we are in those situations nothing’s new. Everything is normal, everything is slowed down in a sense and it’s really just me and the quarterback making the play,” Allen said. His play on the field and veteran leadership continues to be a huge part of the Chargers.
The Chargers will now look to build on this dominant win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and turn their attention to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Chargers have a chance to improve to 8-3 with a win at Jacksonville before heading into their bye week. If the Chargers continue to dominate in all three phases of the game, look out for them to make some noise in January. This team is continuing to get better week after week, and they are giving their fans a lot to be proud of. The Chargers will attempt to stay in the win column when they travel to Jacksonville to face the 5-4 Jaguars on Sunday, November 16. The Jaguars are currently in second place in the AFC South.
