4. Bolts offense does just enough
As expected, it was a slugfest when the Chargers offense matched up against the Steelers defense.
The final tally shows the Bolts tallied 18 first downs while converting on just six of 17 tries on third downs.
But the unit came through when it mattered most, especially on a six-play, 90-yard touchdown drive early in the fourth quarter that pushed the Chargers to a 22-3 lead. That 19-point cushion felt safe with the way the Chargers defense was playing against the Steelers.
The Bolts had 13 possessions Sunday night, nine of which lasted six plays or fewer. But Herbert and the offense delivered a big blow early in the final stanza to put the game out of reach.
"I think it took us a little bit," Herbert said of the offensive performance. "There are definitely things that we would like to have back and some plays and some drives that there is definitely room for improvement, but I thought we did a good job protecting the ball, not forcing any turnovers, not giving them the ball in good field position.
"So, that part was good but definitely things to clean up," Herbert added.
Herbert, who threw for 220 yards and a touchdown to Ladd McConkey, posted a 90.5 passer rating while getting sacked five times and hit nine times in all.
"He's as tough as they come," Harbaugh said of Herbert.
5. Mickens gets special INT
The Chargers defense has turned a corner of late as the unit has been a driving force behind three straight wins.
Kudos to Mickens, a rookie safety who has carved out a key role since Alohi Gilman was traded to the Ravens.
Mickens intercepted Rodgers on Sunday night, marking the second straight home primetime game the 2025 sixth-round pick has picked up a takeaway.
"I was just playing over the top, trusting that my hook play was going to be there," Mickens said. "Daiyan did a great job getting in the window. Aaron made a bad throw and I capitalized."
James added: "He's been making a lot of plays. Everybody has been making plays. It was an overall good day on defense."
Ironically enough, Mickens' father, Ray, was a safety with the Browns in 2005 during Rodgers' rookie season with the Packers. Ray Mickens played against Green Bay at Lambeau Field that season but Rodgers did not play.
"My dad actually told me that earlier in the week," Mickens said. "I talked to him after the game, Aaron, and he was like, 'No way.'
"It was kind of a full-circle moment. He's a great player, he's going to be in the Hall of Fame," Mickens added. "Being able to play on the same field and be able to pick off such a great player is amazing."