Steelers-Chargers scouting report: If the Ravens came from the West Coast ...

Brian Batko / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Steelers insider Brian Batko breaks down each aspect of the home opener and lists the team’s keys to victory:

When the Steelers have the ball

The Chargers are the only defense with fewer points allowed than the Steelers while also ranking third in the NFL in yards allowed per play (4.3). They have one fewer takeaway (4), but like the Steelers, they’ve played two offenses struggling with veterans in new places or young quarterbacks overwhelmed by the pros. Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack are in their third year running together as outside linebackers, arguably the best duo in the league when healthy. Bosa hasn’t been healthy much the past two seasons and played only 14 snaps last week in Carolina, though he claims he’s ready for a full workload in Pittsburgh as he manages back and hip injuries. Old friend Bud Dupree is the top reserve. They have a mix of youth and experience up the middle, from their interior linemen to their inside linebackers, while outside cornerbacks Asante Samuel Jr. and Kristian Fulton are under 6-foot but quick with good ball skills. Derwin James is the second-highest-paid safety in the league and can still zoom around the field at age 28 with three consecutive 100-tackle seasons.

When the Chargers have the ball

It’s early, but so far, Justin Herbert has been completing more short passes and taking fewer sacks than any other year in his career. That aligns with the Harbaugh way of smash-mouth football, running through people the way his Michigan team did last year in college football. But it helps to have a physical offensive line, which the Chargers do, in addition to 295-pound Scott Matlock playing more snaps at fullback than he does defensive tackle. So yes, they want to pound it right at you with former Ravens running backs JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards, running for former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman. When they throw it, Herbert usually looks for 6-3 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston or rookie slot receiver Ladd McConkey. They’ve only turned it over twice, an interception of a deep shot by Herbert and a strip-sack on him in the red zone. If Herbert is out, Easton Stick is a limited backup who could be in for a long day.

Key matchups

Chargers S Derwin James vs. Steelers QB Justin Fields

Fields understood the assignment in Week 1 and didn’t let Falcons safety Jessie Bates make a game-changing play, per Arthur Smith’s request. James is another ballhawk who knows where to be and when to take advantage of a strong pass rush. There’s not much margin for error right now in this offense, and every turnover-free game for Fields feels like it’s pushing him closer to his first.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert vs. Steelers S Minkah Fitzpatrick

On the flip side, Fitzpatrick will patrol the deep post against Herbert — if he plays -—who torched the Steelers for 382 yards and three touchdowns on 31-of-40 passing in a 2021 win. But Fitzpatrick didn't play in that game because of COVID-19, and Tre Norwood was picked on in his place. If Herbert’s ankle injury severely impacts his mobility, Fitzpatrick can take advantage of any mistakes from the pocket.

Chargers OLB Khalil Mack vs. Steelers LT Dan Moore Jr.

Watch out for the long-arm move from Mack, who’s on the wrong side of 33 but still has plenty of power in his 6-3, 269-pound frame. He had 17 sacks last season — including six in one game against the Raiders — and already has 1½ this year so far. Moore held up against Matthew Judon in Week 1, but Mack is his toughest test yet in 2024.

Chargers WR Ladd McConkey vs. Steelers CB Beanie Bishop Jr.

Two rookies going at it in the slot, one a high second-round pick and the other undrafted. McConkey caught his first career touchdown in the season opener and figures to be heavily targeted as an inside receiver for Jim Harbaugh. Ironically, Roman Wilson was that guy last year for Michigan.

Chargers PR Derius Davis vs. Steelers P Corliss Waitman

Don’t sleep on the special teams aspect of this one. The shifty, 5-8 Davis was second-team All-Pro last year after an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown. Chris Boswell can just blast the ball through the end zone on kickoffs, but Waitman won’t always have that luxury while getting coverage from a unit in flux due to injuries and inexperience.

To win, the Steelers must …

Stop J.K. Dobbins knifing through huge holes and ripping off long runs will make for a huge problem and long day for a front seven (with help from the secondary) that has been stout against the rush thus far.

No L, OL. Justin Fields will need an offensive line that’s dealing with injuries, inconsistency and penalties to play its best game yet, particularly against a deep group of experienced and, at times, dominant edge rushers.

SMH. Stifle Mr. Herbert, because if Justin excoriates this defensive scheme the way he did in 2021 — albeit with a different head coach, different play-caller and more accomplished supporting cast — it won’t matter how little ground his running backs gain.