The Los Angeles Chargers traded up in the second round to select receiver Ladd McConkey, and based on their war room video, it appears that the front office and coaching staff were thrilled with the pick. While the rookie had some nice moments in both games earlier this season, he’ll need to step up in a big way to give the Chargers a chance on Sunday.
The weak link in the Steelers’ defense
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a formidable defense full of talented players, but there appears to be a weak link after two games. Undrafted free agent Beanie Bishop Jr. starts in the slot and has allowed 71 yards and a touchdown. His passer rating allowed of 143.2 is second-worst among slot cornerbacks with 30 or more snaps.
McConkey has played 66.7 percent of his snaps in the slot so far, which isn’t likely to change even with Joshua Palmer’s status uncertain and DJ Chark still out for two more games.
The Chargers need a big game from rookie receiver Ladd McConkey tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/FkFPpAaot7
– Tyler Schoon (@tylerjschoon) September 21, 2024
Steelers to focus on Quentin Johnston
Second-year receiver Quentin Johnston has been the Chargers’ most productive wide receiver through two games. Based on his production, film and usage, Johnston should be the Steelers’ top priority in limiting explosive plays. The combination of Joey Porter Jr. on the outside and Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott at safety will likely prevent another one-on-one touchdown opportunity for Johnston.
As mentioned earlier, Palmer’s playing status is still uncertain, and even if he does play, he won’t be 100% due to several injuries. McConkey will have to find a way to dominate in the slot while Johnston, Palmer, and potentially veteran Simi Fehoko work out.
Chargers quarterbacks will be quick to throw
As it stands, the Steelers’ defense isn’t one that quarterbacks want to spend time holding the ball against. TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton are a formidable offensive line and the best overall unit the Chargers have faced so far. While the Chargers’ interior offensive line improved against the Panthers, expectations are shaky given their opponent and how they performed against the Raiders a week earlier.
Today, and this is perhaps the worst, Justin Herbert is out with a high ankle sprain. If he plays, he’s limited. If he doesn’t, it’ll be Easton Stick or Taylor Heinicke who starts. Both of those scenarios mean this team can’t hold the ball and wait for the Steelers to take control of the game.
McConkey is the best (and at this point, healthiest) quick-play separator the Chargers currently have. His work in the slot versus man-to-man or how Greg Roman deploys him to create favorable spacing will be a deciding factor in the outcome of this game.