Chargers O-Line Faces Biggest Test vs. Steelers Defense | How will Justin Herbert Adjust?

On Bleav in Chargers, Matt “Money” Smith and Lorenzo Neal break down the current state of the team after losing key offensive tackles for the season. They dive into the fallout from losing Joe Alt, analyze the moves GM Joe Hortiz made at the trade deadline including the addition of Trevor Penning and discuss how these changes impact Justin Herbert’s playing style. Money details the challenge of replacing Pro Bowl-level talent along the offensive line, while the duo also highlight the resilience of the Chargers’ defense, which has shown major improvement behind a rejuvenated pass rush. They close by previewing the upcoming matchup against the Steelers and what fans can expect on both sides of the ball.   00:00:45 — Chargers’ Win Streak & FanDuel Odds Chargers on a two-game win streak, current playoff odds, and previewing the upcoming game against the Steelers. 00:01:31 — Injury Impact: Offensive Tackles Discussion around losing two Pro Bowl tackles and how it’s affecting the team's approach. 00:02:09 — Herbert’s Play Style – Adaptation & Mobility How Justin Herbert will have to adjust his play given the offensive line situation, focusing on using his legs more. 00:04:43 — Defense: Improvement & Key Performers Recent defensive resurgence, highlighting individual pass rush stats and run defense improvement. 00:07:17 — Steelers & League-Wide Team Mentality Steelers’ turnaround, defense, and comparisons to other AFC teams’ locker room dynamics. 00:08:14 — Steelers’ Defensive Line Strengths Breakdown of the Pittsburgh defensive front and how Chargers OL match up; Trevor Penning trade preview. 00:11:11 — Trevor Penning Trade Analysis The rarity of trading starting offensive linemen, how Penning fits in, Saints reasoning behind the move. 00:12:59 — AFC West Landscape & Chargers’ Resilience How the division looks, Chargers overcoming injuries, Penning’s potential role, importance of plugging OL gaps. 00:15:07 — Penning’s Motivation & Locker Room Impact How new players try to prove themselves, motivational factors, and team culture. 00:16:17 — Detailed OL Performance & Becton’s Availability Foster Sorrell’s struggles, Becton’s health updates, and importance of pushing through injuries. 00:17:17 — OL Expectations & Veteran Critiques Player accountability, front office perspectives, finding ways for Becton to contribute. 00:18:36 — Becton’s Talent & Availability Issues When healthy, Becton’s elite ability, importance of having him on the field. 00:20:55 — Protecting Herbert & Offensive Line Importance The necessity of keeping Herbert upright and how a healthy OL changes the team’s competitive level. 00:22:20 — Run Blocking, OL Gaps, & Draft Strategy How run game and OL depth determines offensive success, thoughts on trading for a running back vs. drafting OL. 00:24:49 — Day Two Picks & Building Through Draft Emphasis on using second and third-round picks for OL, defensive edge depth looks good. 00:25:27 — Offensive Line The Key to Contention Addressing OL in upcoming drafts and current schematic adjustments for protection. 00:27:19 — Looking Forward & Midseason Adjustments Not giving up on the season, keeping enough weapons to compete, using draft capital wisely. 00:29:35 — Complimentary Football: Defense, Special Teams Chargers can win with strong defense and special teams; importance of keeping scores low. 00:31:02 — Special Teams Breakdown & Roster Moves Ja Taylor trade, speculation on roster management, and need for strong gunners. 00:32:26 — Numbers Game: Creating Roster Space How injuries forced roster moves, importance of draft picks, and impact on fan support. 00:33:47 — Fan Attendance & Chargers’ Support Challenges with home crowd noise vs. Steelers fans, importance of local support at Sofi Stadium. 00:37:33 — Trey Harris Story & Player Versatility Highlighting Trey Harris’ journey, athletic background, growing impact in receiver rotation. 00:39:33 — Dan’s Resilience & Team Support How Dan played after personal loss, team rallying around him, football family culture. 00:40:04 — Chargers OL Outlook vs. Steelers D-Line Speculation about OL configuration, upcoming matchup challenges, potential solutions. 00:42:46 — Steelers Defense Analysis & QB Matchups Steelers recent defensive struggles, Herbert vs. recent opposing QBs, offensive advantage possibilities. 00:45:31 — Closing Thoughts: Path Forward Keys to winning, keeping pace in AFC, enthusiasm for Chargers’ playoff push, fan engagement and support. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.