NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Pittsburgh Steelers: Studs and duds vs. Chargers in Week 6

By Samuel Teets

CARSON, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 13: Quarterback Devlin Hodges #6 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers greet each other following a game at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 13, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 13: Quarterback Devlin Hodges #6 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers greet each other following a game at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 13, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: Running back Benny Snell #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball down the field as outside linebacker Thomas Davis #58, linebacker Drue Tranquill #49, and defensive end Damion Square #71 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 13, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: Running back Benny Snell #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball down the field as outside linebacker Thomas Davis #58, linebacker Drue Tranquill #49, and defensive end Damion Square #71 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 13, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /

With Devlin Hodges starting at quarterback, the Pittsburgh Steelers upset the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football.

After a tough overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5, the Pittsburgh Steelers responded in Week 6. The Steelers put up 21 unanswered points in the first half, giving them a lead that lasted the entire game. The final score was a little close for comfort in the end, but Pittsburgh won 24-17.

The AFC North is possibly the worst division in football this year. The Cincinnati Bengals have already been beaten by two previously winless teams this season and are sitting at 0-6. The Steelers and Cleveland Browns both have 2-4 records. Both teams could have more wins, but inconsistent play has taken a toll on their seasons.

The Ravens lead the pack at 4-2. While I think Baltimore will ultimately win the division, their spot is anything but secure. Two weeks ago, the Ravens lost to the Browns and they barely escaped the Steelers in Week 5. All it will take for this division to be blown open again is one bad week for Baltimore.

Focusing back on Sunday night’s game, it was clear that some players made a larger impact on the outcome than others. Here are Pittsburgh’s studs and duds from Week 6.

Stud: Benny Snell Jr., RB

With Jaylen Samuels out for several weeks, Snell stepped into the backup running back role. The rookie fourth-round pick put on a show against the Chargers. He carried the ball 17 times for 75 yards, 4.4 yards per carry and caught a pass for 14 yards.

Pittsburgh’s ground game has been struggling. Even though fans and the team seem committed to James Conner, Snell could capture a larger number of touches if he’s able to replicate Sunday’s performance on a weekly basis. The Steelers are only rushing for 76.5 yards per game right now, the fifth-fewest in the entire league. Hopefully, Snell will change that.

Dud: Maurkice Pouncey, C

There were a couple of errant snaps last night, which is unusual for the All-Pro center. Pouncey, who has been an anchor on Pittsburgh’s offensive line for years, just didn’t have a good night. In the third quarter, a low snap went down by Devlin Hodges‘ ankles and it cost the Steelers a chance to score a touchdown. Instead, the team had to settle for a field goal from within the 3-yard line.

Home/Pittsburgh Steelers