WEEK ELEVEN: PITTSBURGH @ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (-5.5, O/U 47)

Synopsis:

Þ Mike Tomlin (150-80-2) vs. Brandon Staley (5-4)

Þ Sun., Nov. 21, 2021 @ 8:15 P.M

Þ Weather Forecast (via nflweather.com)

Three Keys

Red Zone Success

One of the frustrating aspects of the Steelers’ tie with the Lions on Sunday was their failure to generate red zone success. Whether it was an unwillingness to call any running plays or conservative fourth down play calling, the Steelers had two 13 play drives that both resulted in only 3 points each.

When you control the ball for that long of a time, but do not convert it into more points than just two field goals, you are severely relying on your defense to continue to hold the other team. Whether or not Mason (or Ben) can string together longer drives while also converting in the red zone is the number one thing I am looking for this weekend.

Better Middle Eight Play

The middle eight, which is the final four minures of the first half and first four minutes of the second half, of the game on Sunday saw the Lions put up 9 of their 16 points and control the run game.

Beyond that, the Steelers completely shut down the Lions moving forward.

Against Justin Herbert and a high-powered Chargers offensive attack, the middle eight of this game is even more crucial as they look to win time of possession.

Run. The. Ball.

This is a critical point to Sunday’s game, regardless of who ends up being the starter. The Chargers have the worst run defense in the league, giving up 155 yards a game. Despite the challenges the Steelers have had running the ball and without Kevin Dotson, the Steelers should still feature a heavy dose of Najee Harris.

Running out of 12 personnel (1 back and 2 tight ends) needs to be a key, and expect a lot of snaps for Gentry this weekend as the Steelers look to manufacture some holes.

This should be emphasized even more, as the Steelers saw their highest efficiency in the run game on Sunday come out of the end gap.