https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2021/11/23/chargers-steelers-winners-losers-justin-herbert-austin-ekeler/

Gavino Borquez
November 23, 2021 8:26 am PT

The Chargers took care of business in primetime, defeating the Steelers
by the score of 41-37.

With that being said, here is a look at the players who helped en route
to Los Angeles’ victory and the others who had a rough night.

Stars

QB Justin Herbert

After an uneven performance against the Vikings, Herbert shined under
the lights. He benefited from getting out of the pocket, the designed
play actions, and the simplified reads. Herbert held defenders with his
eyes and showed off excellent anticipation, ball placement, and rare
velocity on his throws. Furthermore, we got to see his athleticism
plenty on the ground. Herbert completed 30 of 41 attempts for 382
passing yards, 90 rushing yards, and three touchdowns.

RB Austin Ekeler

When a team is struggling in a specific area, you look to exploit it.
That is what the Chargers did, knowing the Steelers were susceptible to
running backs. So Los Angeles got Ekeler going early and often not only
on the ground but also as a pass-catcher. He carried the ball 11 times
for 50 yards and caught six of his seven targets for 65 yards to go
along with four total touchdowns.

Studs

WR Keenan Allen & Mike Williams

Pittsburgh was without cornerback Joe Haden and safety Minkah
Fitzpatrick, and the pass-catching duo of Allen and Williams took
advantage of the thin Steelers secondary. The two got plenty of open
looks and turned it into a combined 19 targets for over 200 receiving
yards. While Allen had more receptions (9) and yards (112), Williams was
the unlikely hero with the game-winning touchdown in the final minutes.

Rashawn Slater, Matt Feiler & Corey Linsley

Running left means running right. The combination of Slater, Feiler and
Linsley has proven to pay dividends this season, but they were
incredibly dominant on Sunday, paving the way for Ekeler’s big
performance. Even with the imposing presence of defensive tackle Cameron
Heyward, Feiler and Linsley ensured he was a non-factor in the run game.
Despite allowing one sack, Slater continued to play at a Pro Bowl level.
He has allowed just 15 pressures in 10 games.

Defensive tackles

Even without Linval Joseph, Christian Covington, and Jerry Tillery, the
interior part of the defensive line played arguably its best game.
Showing grit and energy on each rep, Justin Jones, Breiden Fehoko,
Forrest Merrill, and Joe Gaziano limited the Steelers’ rushing attack to
just 3.1 yards per carry.

EDGE Joey Bosa

The Chargers’ pass rush steadily got to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger
throughout the course of the game, but it was Bosa who lived in the
backfield the most. Bosa ended up with seven quarterback pressures, four
hurries, three run stops, two hits and his lone sack that came on the
final drive in which he was lined up along the interior.

Duds

CB Michael Davis & Tevaughn Campbell

After returning to the action from an injury the week before, Davis
showed some rust on the field. He allowed seven receptions on 10 targets
for 97 yards. But it wasn’t any better for Campbell, who entered the
game in place of Asante Samuel Jr. after he left the game due to a
concussion. He gave up four catches on five targets for 80 yards. This
is the second straight week that the pass defense struggled, and it does
not help that Samuel will have to miss some time.

Special teams coverage units

Here we are yet again. This group still has plenty of work to do. The
Chargers allowed an average of 31.5 yards per kick return, and their
lone punt was blocked, which led to the momentum switch in the fourth
quarter. It was Drue Tranquill and Matt Overton who let Miles Killebrew
through.

TE Jared Cook

Cook had opportunities to make himself a presence in the passing game
like any other week, but blew them with dropped passes. He dropped two,
and is now tied for the league lead in drops among tight ends with 5 and
is second in drop percentage at 13.9%. It has not been the best year for
the veteran.