The Steelers dominated the Chargers in the first half, then suffered an epic collapse thanks to a lousy defensive game plan, several costly mistakes and questionable officiating. The Steelers have now lost two in a row and their once comfortable Division lead is down to a ½ a game.
For the second time this season the Steelers blew a 14-point lead in the second half and the defense all but vanished after the second quarter. This was also the third home loss of the year.
Philip Rivers passed for 299 yards and made EVERY big play he needed when called upon. Led by Keenan Allen who had 14 catches and torched the Steelers defense for 148 yards. This was the second time in six games that a quarterback threw for over 200 yards. The secondary faded and what looked to be an interception by Joe Haden was negated by a Sean Davis hit. Allen grabbed the deflection.
As dominating as the run defense was in the first half was as soft as it was in the second half. Justin Jackson racked up 63 yards on only eight carries. L.J. Fort had a nice game but was completely out of his depth covering Keenan Allen on the game breaking play. The pass rush was a step to slow all night registering only two sacks.
The offense moved the ball at will but made several costly mistakes. The offensive line all but shutout Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. Roethlisberger had all day to pass and he threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns. It was the plays he didn’t make that will haunt the Steelers, he chucked up a lame duck intended for Vance McDonald that would have all but put the Chargers away in the first half and he missed a wide-open Justin Hunter for another score, Hunter was injured on the play.
Antonio Brown finished with 154 yards and 10 catches. He was a bright spot all night long. The Steelers had seven different receivers in the passing game. Both Vance McDonald and Jesse James need to be more consistent.
James Conner was having a nice bounce back game, but the situation dictated abandoning the running game. He finished with 60 yards and was forced from the game with an injury.
The Special Teams was another disaster giving up a game changing 73-Yard Punt return for a touchdown to Desmond King. The return teams were flagged on nearly EVERY return. Chris Boswell missed his fifth extra point of the year and of course the field goal defense team was offsides on all three Chargers attempts, absolutely embarrassing.
The officiating was the worst this season…which is saying something. The Chargers first touchdown should have been negated by a false start. The special team’s touchdown, there was a clear block in the back on Brian Allen. They were awful all night.
At some point the Steelers need to play more consistent or this season will be over. That falls squarely on the coaches who need to turn this around.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Antonio Brown, who had a vintage performance and showed why he is the best in the game. Also Considered: Matt Feiler, who almost completely shutout Joey Bosa.
Where I watched the game: After delusions of going to a local bar, KGB and I stayed home. Had Spaghetti and Meatballs for dinner but no snacks at game time. Beer of choice was Leinenkugel’s Octoberfest…which we will never drink again during a game. I texted with Bill the whole time and of course had a horrible night’s sleep!
My Stat of the week: A very dubious one…174-1-1 the Steelers record when leading by 16 points. Last night was biggest blown lead in Steelers history absolutely gut wrenching. Ironically, I was at the tie.
My Thoughts on next week: The Steelers have got to blow the Raiders off the field if they have any shot of making the playoffs.
This week’s Jersey: The Bus, Jerome Bettis, #36 Home Jersey.