I attended the Steelers’ victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Pittsburgh last week. I was not feeling well, but the team put together an earnest effort. A strong victory in which the offense exploited the Steelers’ defensive takeaways.
A debate ensued on whether the Steelers could win a game without the defense forcing turnovers. In the Colts game, their red-zone offense was stacked against a defense coming off two straight poor performances. As the team traveled to Los Angeles, Pittsburgh seemed to have the advantage. The Chargers were missing both of their starting tackles and the top replacement. The edge should feast. Plus, Steeler Nation was sure to make its presence felt at So-Fi Stadium. Prior to kickoff, I could hear Steelers cheered and Chargers players booed as they began pregame warmups.
Steelers fans repping well. Steelers cheered and Chargers players booed as they come on field for pregame warmups. #HereWeGo
— Beaver Falls Hosiery (@subBurgher) November 10, 2025
Aaron Rodgers Underperforms
Aaron Rodgers underperformed from start to finish. Here are some examples.
After a Chargers three and out. Aaron Rodgers overthrows DK Metcalf, who is one-on-one with a safety. A good throw and Metcalf either scores or it’s first and goal. Instead, the Steelers settle for a 59-yard field goal to take an early lead.
Next possession Steelers are 3rd and 2 at their own 7-yard line. Rodgers steps up under pressure. Then re-enters the end zone where he is sacked for a safety. He nearly lost the ball. Better to have taken the sack in the field or throw the ball away if he has a receiver nearby.
On the next drive Jonnu Smith is wide open at the 10-yard line. Rodgers throws an off-target ball that is initially ruled a catch. But the completion is overturned after Jim Harbaugh’s challenge. If Rodgers throws a decent pass, Smith scores or at least it is first and goal for the Steelers. Instead, Chris Boswell misses a 45-yard field goal attempt.
A little later Rodgers misses Calvin Austin III. A good throw converts on 3rd and 8 continuing a drive down when Pittsburgh is down just 5-3. Instead, Corliss Waitman punts.
Rodgers overthrows DK Metcalf. R.J. Mickens intercepts the ball at Pittsburgh’s 48-yard line. Instead of Pittsburgh lining up for another play on 3rd and 6, the Chargers exploit the gift and extend their lead to 12-3 right before halftime.
Aaron Rodgers just had a dreadful day. His vision seemed off. His pocket awareness was poor as he stepped up into a sack more than once. But he was not alone in his struggles.
Others Contributed to the Debacle
Andrus Peat false starts to negate the very first offensive play of the game and his first snap as a Steeler. No overall impact in the grand scheme of things but an indicator how this game would go for the Steelers.
Joey Porter Jr has perfect position in front of a receiver and fails to corral a pass thrown right at him. An interception would have given the Steelers great field position near midfield with a chance to build on an early 3-0 lead. Instead, Chargers punt and ball is downed at the 6-yard line, leading to the safety. At least a five-point swing.
Jonnu Smith must catch the ball even if it is poorly thrown. Costs the Steelers a first and goal and possible touchdown. A four-point swing.
Chris Boswell misses 45-yard field goal attempt. Three points off the board.
Ball bounces off Calvin Austin III’s hands and former Steeler Donte Jackson intercepts at the Chargers’ 40. Instead of first down in Chargers territory, Los Angeles kicks a field goal. As much as a six-point swing.
On very next series, Ke’Shawn Williams’ muffed fair catch is recovered by Los Angeles at the Steelers’ 21-yard line. Instead of Pittsburgh with the ball down 22-3. the Chargers kick field goal. A three-point swing.
A lot of points left on the field or gifted to Los Angeles.
Dive Deeper with Steelers Depot
For deeper game analysis, check these Steelers Depot staples:
Steelers Five Keys to Victory by Tom Mead
Steelers Versus Chargers Prediction by Alex Kozora
Steelers Versus Chargers Recap by Jake Brockhoff
Steelers Versus Chargers Winners and Losers by Alex Kozora
Steelers Versus Chargers Positional Grades by Josh Carney
Tom’s Ten Takes by Tom Mead
Listen: Kozora Recap and Analysis by Alex Kozora
Steelers Versus Chargers Stats of the Weird by Alex Kozora
Conclusion
The Steelers lost a winnable game. But what could go wrong went wrong. Aaron Rodgers largely is to blame in my view. The Steelers played well enough defensively to win. One big, long reception led to a touchdown. But Brandin Echols had tight coverage. Just a great throw and catch. But the offense failed to deliver. And special teams made two gaffes. A missed field goal and the muffed punt return.
Pittsburgh did sack Justin Herbert five times. But the offense was pathetic. I discount the touchdown pass to Roman Wilson as garbage time. I do not blame OC Arthur Smith. There were open receivers and Aaron Rodgers just missed them. And in some cases, the receivers did not deliver. Poor execution. The overall performance overshadowed Jaylen Warren, who played hard.
Najee Harris WHO?
Jaylen Warren hurdle #Steelers pic.twitter.com/QjdiNqHdRz
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) November 10, 2025
I appreciate all the Steelers fans who travelled to Los Angeles. You were loud and proud. Just disappointed the team didn’t perform better for you.
The kick from Boz is GOOD! #herewego pic.twitter.com/g5niNnFRWB
— Jimmy D ✌🏻 (@Uncle_JimmyD) November 10, 2025
The next game against Cincinnati pivotal. In order to make the two December matchups against Baltimore meaningful, Pittsburgh must take care of business at home in Week 11. Here we go.
Your Song Selection
The Steelers giving fans a bellyache. It’s like putting the lime in the coconut and getting the bellyache. Call the doctor to see what will relieve the ache. And the doctor says put the lime in the coconut and drink it all up. Then call me in the morning if you are not feeling better. Will more Aaron Rodgers make a difference? Here is Coconut performed by Harry Nilsson.
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