With the 2025 season approaching, Steelers.com revisits memorable games against upcoming opponents. This edition highlights a past game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers.
On October 10, 2005, at Qualcomm Stadium, the Steelers narrowly defeated the Chargers with a final score of 24-22. The victory was sealed in the last moments of Monday Night Football.
Despite their win, not all news was positive for the Steelers. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sustained a knee injury late in the game that would keep him out for the following week. Coach Bill Cowher commented on Roethlisberger’s condition: “The news on Ben is very good. We thought the injury could have been much worse when you look at the hit he took.”
Before his injury, Roethlisberger helped advance to field goal range after LaDainian Tomlinson’s two-yard touchdown run put the Chargers ahead 22-21. A nine-yard pass to Antwann Randle-El ended with Roethlisberger taking a hit to his knee.
Receiver Hines Ward recounted Roethlisberger’s dedication: “He laid it on the line,” said Ward. “He’s lying there hurt on the ground, and he said to me, ‘At least we’re in field goal range.'”
Charlie Batch replaced Roethlisberger as quarterback after he was carted off. Running back Jerome Bettis then played a crucial role in setting up Jeff Reed for a successful 40-yard game-winning field goal with six seconds left.
Bettis addressed criticisms regarding his performance due to previous injuries: “The frustrating part for me was listening to everybody talk about, well, should I play,” Bettis said. He emphasized his readiness and contribution by stating: “I feel great, I feel fresh,” adding that he is officially back after finishing with 17 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown.
Coach Cowher expressed confidence in backup quarterbacks Tommy Maddox and Charlie Batch during Roethlisberger’s recovery period: “It’s good that we have Tommy Maddox and Charlie Batch. As of now, Charlie is the starter by default.”
