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Winners and losers of the Pittsburgh Steelers victory over the Los Angeles Chargers


Winners and losers of the Pittsburgh Steelers victory over the Los Angeles Chargers

PITTSBURGH– The Pittsburgh Steelers extended their record to 3-0 with an impressive win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. This was the Steelers' most impressive victory, but it also had its downsides.

Here are the winners and losers from Pittsburgh’s win:

Winner: Justin Fields

Justin Fields did everything the Steelers asked of him on Sunday and more. He threw ahead to open throwing lanes in the middle of the field, an area the Steelers have intentionally avoided during the first two weeks of the season. He ended up completing 25 of 32 passes for 245 yards on the day. Many of his percentage throws were on the fast play early on, and he opened the game 10 of 10 before ultimately throwing an incomplete pass.

Fields was efficient and shot all over the field when needed. His ability to see the field and take advantage of open spots in the middle of the field is a step forward. He looks much calmer in the pocket. This is a huge win for Fields.

Loser: Spencer Anderson

Anderson had the starting left guard position for two weeks, but his obvious struggles forced the Steelers to use Mason McCormick for parts of the game. McCormick had some good moments, but Anderson struggled in the running game. He could start next week if Isaac Seumalo is out, but his performances left a lot to be desired, so he belongs on this list, especially with McCormick knocking on the door.

Winners: Calvin Austin III and Scotty Miller

Loser: Van Jefferson

I'll sum these up in one paragraph. The Steelers needed someone to step in alongside George Pickens. Well, they found two guys willing to do it. They were Scotty Miller and Calvin Austin III. Austin caught the huge 53-yard touchdown from Fields and made a couple of plays from the outside. He's a pure speedy slot player, but that's enough to be of great value to the Steelers. Miller only played in 13 personnel, but he has the speed and reaction to make an impact after the catch. Together, they caught six balls for 126 yards, which is a decent performance aside from Pickens.

Jefferson, on the other hand, has struggled to defend his seniority, and it's hard to imagine him keeping that for much longer. He may be a good blocker at times, but the Steelers need the speed and power that Miller and Austin bring over Jefferson, who hasn't given them nearly enough productivity.

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Winner: Nick Herbig

Herbig deserves all the credit in the world for following in Alex Highsmith's footsteps. In just eight pass-rushing snaps, he has amassed three pressures and two sacks, including a strip sack. Herbig is simply too explosive to sit on the bench much longer, and even with Highsmith back and healthy, the Steelers will need to find meaningful snaps for Herbig.

His productivity is tremendous. Whenever he gets a chance, Herbig makes everything possible. Pittsburgh found another steal in the fourth round in a player who looks to be a really good pass rusher.

Loser: Beanie Bishop

Bishop has been good, but he still has a lot to learn. Ladd McConkey has given the Steelers some problems, and Bishop's strength has never been in coverage. He's almost always been in downhill running and tackling. His strengths are that he's outstanding and plays clear, but Bishop will have to do more to hold that spot all the time when Cam Sutton returns after the off week.

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