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Winners and losers from Pittsburgh Steelers’ win over the Los Angeles Chargers

S.Ramirez25 min ago
PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Steelers moved to 3-0 on Sunday with an imposing victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. This was the most impressive victory for the Steelers, but it is not without its warts.

Here are the winners and losers from Pittsburgh's win:

Winner: Justin Fields

Justin Fields did everything the Steelers asked him to do on Sunday and then some. He threw with anticipation to open throwing lanes over the middle of the field, an area the Steelers have purposefully avoided in the first two weeks of the season. He ended up going 25 of 32 for 245 passing yards on the day. A lot of his percentage throws were in the quick game early, and he opened up the game 10 for 10 before finally throwing an incompletion.

Fields was efficient and took the shots down the field when he needed. His ability to see the field and process open spots in the middle of the field is progression. He looks much calmer in the pocket. This is a huge win for Fields.

Loser: Spencer Anderson

Anderson had the full time starting left guard spot through two weeks, but his obvious struggles made the Steelers turn to Mason McCormick for portions of the game. McCormick had some good moments, but Anderson struggled in the run game. He could start next week if Isaac Seumalo is out, but his performances have left a lot to be desired, so he belongs on this list, especially with McCormick knocking at the door.

Winner: Calvin Austin III and Scotty Miller

Loser: Van Jefferson

I will put these together in one paragraph. The Steelers needed someone to step up outside of George Pickens. Well, they did find two guys willing and ready to do that. It would be Scotty Miller and Calvin Austin III. Austin caught the huge 53-yard touchdown from Fields and made a few plays on the outside. He is strictly a speedy slot player, but that is enough to have significant value to the Steelers. Miller had only been getting snaps in 13 personnel, but he has the speed and quickness to make things happen after the catch. They combined for six catches for 126 yards, which is a healthy production outside Pickens.

On the other hand, Jefferson struggled to maintain his seniority, and it is hard to envision him keeping that for much longer. He might be a quality blocker at times, but the Steelers need the speed and juice that Miller and Austin bring over Jefferson, who has not given them nearly enough production.

  • BETTING:
  • Winner: Nick Herbig

    Herbig deserves all the praise in the world for stepping into the shoes that Alex Highsmith left behind. In just eight pass-rushing snaps, he had racked up three pressures and two sacks, including a strip sack. Herbig is just too explosive to sit on the bench for much longer, and even when Highsmith is back and healthy, the Steelers need to find meaningful snaps for Herbig.

    His productivity is through the roof. Whenever he gets a shot, Herbig makes it all happen. Pittsburgh found another steal in the fourth round in what looks to be a seriously good pass rusher.

    Loser: Beanie Bishop

    Bishop has been fine, but he still has much growing to do. Ladd McConkey gave the Steelers some trouble, and Bishop's strong suit has never been in coverage. It has almost always been coming downhill and tackling. His strengths are that he excels and is clear, but Bishop needs to do more to hold down this spot full time whenever Cam Sutton returns after the bye week.

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