Pittsburgh Review

The Steelers had only 14 rushing yards through two quarters against the LA Chargers, but patience and persistence eventually led to a victory. The initial struggle was evident as those 14 rushing yards included a 5-yard touchdown run by quarterback Justin Fields on a read-option/keeper play. Running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren combined for just 6 yards on five carries in the first half.

By the end of the game, however, the Steelers were effectively running down the clock with a drive that started with 4:59 left in regulation. This drive concluded with Fields taking a knee from Victory Formation on the last two snaps.

"It's such a long game," said offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. "They're gonna have a new plan, how it's going, how you adapt to the situation, our guys did a good job. We preach about 'don't panic.' We kinda saw what they were doing, they were gonna have a plan of the day. You get that, settle some people down."

Smith emphasized their commitment to their strategy and work ethic: "We believe in what we're about and the way we work and we were able to take over in the second half."

The Steelers managed to rush for 100 yards on 22 second-half carries during their 20-10 win last Sunday. They stayed committed to their running game because it aligns with their identity and aspirations as a team.

"You talk about short-term strategy, long-term strategy," Smith continued. "You do whatever it takes to win that game (that you're playing). But when you're built like we are … you're talking about keeping the defense fresh, too."

Smith also highlighted how maintaining possession can benefit their defense: "You have a dominant defense. If you're saving (snaps for the defense) with time of possession and assuming that you're in control and you have a lead, those add up. You talk about being fresher, hopefully in November, December and certainly in January; that's what you want."

In the second half against the Chargers, Cordarrelle Patterson contributed four carries for 33 yards after replacing Jaylen Warren, who was removed from the game by head coach Mike Tomlin due to injury concerns.

Warren did not practice today for the second consecutive day due to his knee injury. This could mean Patterson will take on more ball-carrying responsibilities this Sunday in Indianapolis.

"It just depends on the plan," Smith said regarding Patterson's potential increased workload. "Certainly, he's done it before."

Patterson has previously stepped up under Smith's direction; notably carrying 22 times for 120 yards and scoring one touchdown in Atlanta's narrow loss to New Orleans in 2022.

He is familiar with both Smith's approach and commitment to running plays.