Steelers Crossover: Chargers Need To Prepare for a Slugfest In Battle of Defensive Titans

Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers clash in a high-stakes NFL showdown. Both teams, undefeated at 2-0, defy modern trends with their defensive-first, run-heavy strategies. Can the Chargers' top-ranked defense hold against the Steelers' formidable attack?
This episode breaks down the key matchup between Chargers rookie OT Joe Alt and Steelers DE T.J. Watt, a former Defensive Player of the Year. Discover how the interior line battles could tip the scales, and get the latest on Justin Herbert's ankle injury and its potential impact on the game. With both teams emphasizing the run game to ease pressure on their quarterbacks, this matchup promises to be a tactical masterclass.
Tune in for an in-depth analysis of these powerhouse teams and their evolving strategies. Don't miss the insights that could define the season's trajectory.
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 link.chtbl.com...
Locked On NFL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft & More
🎧 linktr.ee/Lock...
For your next listen, check out the Locked On Fantasy Football podcast. Get daily insight to the best Fantasy draft strategies so you can win your league this season. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Arena Club
Right now, you can get 10% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to Arenaclub.com/lockedonnfl and use code lockedonnfl.
Robinhood
The new gold standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold Terms apply, for product specific disclosures visit robinhood.com/gold. Investing involves risk. Rate may change. Gold membership is offered by Robinhood Gold, LLC.
DoorDash
Use promo code LOCKEDFALL24 for 50% off up to $10 value, when you spend $15+ on your first order. Limited time offer. Terms apply. Promo is not valid for orders containing alcohol.
PrizePicks
Go to prizepicks.one... and use code lockedonmlb to win $50 instantly when you play $5. You don't even need to win to receive your $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.
LinkedIn
LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNFL. Terms and conditions apply.
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
FanDuel
Now through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from KZbin and KZbin TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

[@2008israelramos]

Im flying up to be at the game. I can’t wait!!

[@mattharvey968]

24-17 Chargers win!🏈⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@user-rr7rc7lm2i]

This will be a street fight, go Boltz!!

[@nicholaspetrilli3971]

This guy is awesome He is the David Droegemeier of locked on Steelers 😂

[@lucasbajoua456]

why was that my first thought when it started😂

[@nicholaspetrilli3971]

@@lucasbajoua456 literally same

[@nicholaspetrilli3971]

The way he introduced the video sounded exactly like David

[@daviddroegemeier8241]

What do you mean by that?

[@nicholaspetrilli3971]

@@daviddroegemeier8241 his energy bro so positive

[@themightykev2659]

Droegemeier, Reppin" the Bolt Fam!

[@chargersina]

I think the charges will run towards the outside. Jet sweeps will be one of the weapons. ⚡️🌪️

[@Realtalkchargers]

#1 defense let’s goooooo

[@ryansuter4424]

Well done men!! Smart and balanced analysis without degrading any past coaches or players!!!

[@nicholaspetrilli3971]

The whole reason Justin Herbert loses when he played like Superman is 100 % because of the defense. Not because he didn’t have a run game. That’s what bothers me about our offensive philosophy. As long as we are winning I don’t care one iota though lol.

[@brandonmitchell6351]

We didn’t have a running game tho. As good as Ekeler was he only had 2 100 yd rushing games with us I believe. But I agree with you, I don’t give a damn as long as they win

[@nicholaspetrilli3971]

@@brandonmitchell6351 the point I am making is that all that needed to get fixed was the defense. The offense didn’t have to change this drastically. It doesn’t matter as long as we are winning but it’s weird seeing Herbert this limited. I think some of it’s due to receivers and chemistry due to missed time. Also how many yards on the ground we pounded lol

[@JodyOtness]

It was not all on the chargers defense. Herbert did not have a great O- line to protect him.

[@nicholaspetrilli3971]

@@JodyOtness your missing the point. Herbert put up godly stats with Lombardi. If we had the defense back then playing like we do now Herbert would’ve been in the playoffs… been MVP candidate and maybe Super Bowl. Not hyperbole

[@jamesbauer3215]

Yeah 100% its because their never was anything close to a competent defense it was super bad if the defense didnt give up 30+ points every game justin had to be superman and we still lost 8 games bye 3 points or less each game but this team still needed more physicality and a better run game im sure 130 yards a game from herbert harbaugh knows it always better when you can use herbert to throw deep but if the run game is getting most of it done thats great cus herbert is taking less risk which he is still not use to idc how it looks as long as we win comfortably bye 2 scores or more idc at all herbert will have better games harbaugh knows herbert is one of the best qbs in the nfl and he will def. Will use him

[@thomascostello5780]

Very nice breakdown David and Chris. Seems these teams are mirror images of each other with one exception --- quarterback where we win if we don't turn it over. Chargers 17-13

[@nsn5564]

Like this guy's energy!

[@workslave-y9o]

Not sure we are a balanced on offence yet. Herbert under 200 yards in both games. Love the running attack fer sure but balance means passing and running are equally at a high level. Our passing game is sub par right now. I really am not happy with the pass protection thus far. Cheers

[@UnderControlofSoma]

Agreed, pass protection needs to be more of a factor. Herbert has to elevate our receivers a bit more, other than that keep pounding the rock.

[@TooHonestButtTrue]

Herbert hasn’t needed to pass yet so if anything offense is not tested. We’ve won both games easily by running. Passing is still elite though we know Herbert is a baller and the last match up Herbert torched Steelers.

[@rickpeterson8825]

​@@UnderControlofSomaProblem is guys don't get a lot of separation

[@workslave-y9o]

@@UnderControlofSoma True ball control is key to greatness

[@marcusreichert8566]

Balance is usually when two things are equal that means rushing yards should be close to passing yards and rushing attempts close to passing attempts.

[@TimothyS.JWilson]

Hi David and Chris, my name is Timothy, I think the Chargers offensive line needs to be a bully and charge at the Defensive line to open up a big hole for the running backs to run through for first down s and TD,go Chargers go!

[@Jennaro-b9d]

We have to make sure fields doesnt hurt us with his legs

[@texmcboog]

I’m not saying the Chargers are going to score more than 20, but it amazes me how many of the “experts” think the Steelers are going to score more than 20 on the Boltz. Steeler offense is not as good as the Chargers and the defenses are at least equal.

[@Brazil92]

Off topic, but i hate how everyone undervalues this team so much.

[@2008israelramos]

We have to beat playoff teams to get that type of respect.

[@ezshottah3732]

It works to our advantage. I’d rather be undervalued than overvalued

[@Im_an_editor05]

TJ Watt will make his hay on stunts. The IOL struggled with those.

[@larrycipriani351]

If they can't run as well as the first 2 games, we have Justin Herbert. He will be the deciding factor to win this game. I can see throwing down field to win this game. Q owes us a winning catch, after he dropped one last season. Close game, Chargers ⚡️ win in a close game.

[@ezshottah3732]

Whoever scores on defense wins. Fatality

[@Hancock-r2v]

We all know the defense is why the chargers haven't been winning for years and that's all about the f****** change

[@Jennaro-b9d]

💯💥💥💥💥

[@nsn5564]

Going to be a great game, much like last time we played, except not high scoring. Defensive struggle, I think.

[@Jcota86]

⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@scottthegreat9393]

I have a Blow out against the Steelers. 🤷‍♂️ 24-3 ⚡️

[@texmcboog]

Nope. Don’t see that realistically. Boltz 16-9

[@ThaDogfather_YT]

Would be nice but, I don't think it'll happen.

[@scanner743]

The Steelers good football players like Watt and Heywwod and Fitzpatrick are old in football term and the quarterback play is still very bad and the defense can’t stop the pass

[@HOUSEOFHIXON]

🤘💙💪💙⚡️

[@skinnybballer]

Chargers interior oline will struggle on stunts from steelers d-line. Herbert keeps getting hurt because the guards and center are soft. Hope they improve.

[@texmcboog]

I think Justin put himself in harms way on the play he got hurt. He needs to be smarter and not press. He needs to learn to play within this new structure.

[@Jennaro-b9d]

They should have that fixed If not we need to fire our OL coach ⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@scanner743]

Justin field is a joke, just ask chicago and can’t win games on his own and definitely can lose them