NFL: Crazy Chargers comeback shocks Steelers – Conner injured

In a completely crazy game the Los Angeles Chargers won 33:30 at the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a 16-point chase to catch up, several touchdowns provided a lot of discussion material. Third-String-Running-Backs became important factors and at the decisive Field Goal it took three attempts.

Ben Roethlisberger had publicly criticized Antonio Brown after his defeat at the Denver Broncos last week. The route running the exception wide receiver has not been up to scratch lately. He seemed to take the news personally and duped Casey Hayward despite off-coverage at the first drive for a 46 yard compilation, which resulted in a James Conner touchdown. Conners’ second 1-yard run was the one that put the Steelers in the lead with two touchdowns after the second drive and both scores were close for Pittsburgh.

The Steelers had first received the ball at their own 42-yard line due to a missed field goal attempt and started on the second drive from L.A.’s 48-yard line. It wasn’t until the third drive that the Chargers woke up. But before Travis Benjamin’s 48-yard touchdown a clear false start had been overlooked. L.A.’s rebellion seemed to be further enhanced by a Derwin-James interception, but the problems at the Line of Scrimmage could not be overlooked.

Pittsburgh’s Defensive Line controlled the run game of the Chargers without Melvin Gordon and allowed only 2 yards in 9 attempts. Lightning packages were also a constant source of stress for Philip Rivers, who made the best of his possibilities and was always looking for the working matchup Keenan Allens with Joe Haden. But the Steelers’ O-Line dominated the Chargers’ Pass Rush and gave Big Ben and Antonio Brown enough time to build up the rhythm they missed last time. AB had 7 Receptions for 127 Yards and a Touchdown at halftime.

The Steelers went into the second run with full control over the game, but things changed suddenly. When Rivers Allen looked for a touchdown at the first Chargers drive in the second half, Haden already seemed to have the interception. But since Safety Sean Davis also went for the ball, both collided and the ball flew in a high arc into the hands of Allen. It was the Game Changer, because now also the Defense was electrified.

With a wonderful spin move Joey Bosa paved his way to Big Ben for the first time and tore it to the ground. The following punt was then carried by Desmond King over 74 yards into the final zone for all the Steelers fans’ trouble. Bitter: Also with this play a block in the back could have been avenged well and gladly. With three unusual scores, the Chargers equalled the game, but that was far from the end of the crazy things that happened in this game.

Touchdowns from Third-String-Running-Backs Justin Jackson for the Chargers and Jaylen Samuels – James Conner injured himself in the fourth quarter and had to be treated immediately afterwards in the cabin – brought the game into the final phase in balance. Here Chargers kicker Michael Bagdley should get the chance to apologize for an early missed kick. He forgave again, though. But an offside penalty gave him another chance. The second attempt Bagdley was blocked again, but the Steelers were offside again. Since the third attempt finally reached its goal, although Pittsburgh went offside again, the crazy game was now actually over.

The Steelers lose their second game in a row and now have only half a lead over the Baltimore Ravens. The Chargers, on the other hand, can almost certainly count on a wild card, but still get the chance to win the division in a direct duel with Kansas City.

Although the Steelers were able to exert a lot of pressure in the first run and came dangerously close to Rivers again and again, the veteran started hot and scored 10 of his first 11 passes. Especially the connection with Keenan Allen worked outstanding. In the second run Rivers was outstanding and found again and again gaps in the Steelers Zone Coverage. The lightning was completely cold in the second heat.

Haden certainly did not have an easy task in defending Allen. But he never got the video out under control. At Touchdown Allen’s, Haden was not to blame. But Allen finished the game with 14 Receptions for 148 Yards and a score. And most of the time Haden was in coverage. Also unfortunate: Chargers kicker Bagdley missed the first decisive kick, but Haden was offside and caused a repetition.