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Steeler Fans Take Over Home of LA Chargers

(GSM) — Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers travel well, and it was evident during the matchup against the LA Chargers Sunday.

There was an overabundance of “Terrible Towels” during Sunday night’s game at Dignity Health Sports Park to watch the Steelers achieve their second win of the season in a 24-17 victory on the road. 

Quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges led the Steelers by completing 15-20 passes for 132 YDS, 1 TD, and only 1 interception. The undrafted QB was signed during the 2019 season after the team traded Joshua Dobbs to the Jaguars and his number was called to lead following the concussion suffered by Mason Rudolph.

In his post-game press conference, Hodges said of the strong presence of Steeler fans, “Honestly, not too surprised. That’s something that we kind of anticipated happening. We travel with fans so well. I mean, just pregame warmups and you could tell this was going to be like a home game.”


 

BRIAN COOK IS AN EMMY-NOMINATED INTERNATIONAL JOURNALIST WHO HAS BEEN COVERING THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE SINCE 2005. HE CAN BE REACHED AT BCOOK@GOLDENSKYMEDIA.COM.
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Steelers Travel Cross-Country to Face Chargers

The line of scrimmage between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers on December 2, 2018 at Heinz Field. (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)

PITTSBURGH (GSM) — Even though the Pittsburgh Steelers lead the all-time series against the Chargers 23-10 (including the post-season), Pittsburgh has an uphill battle as they struggle against teams when traveling across time zones.

The last 3 meetings against teams on the West Coast (or relatively close) has resulted in losses. In 2018, the Steelers fell on the road to the Oakland Raiders (24-21), Denver Broncos (24-17) and in ’19 walked away winless when facing the San Francisco 49ers (24-20), respectively. 

This week, the Chargers are at home and face their own struggles. Sitting at 2-3 and 3rd place in the AFC West, Los Angeles is coming off of a loss to division rival  Denver Broncos.  

Los Angeles Chargers Quarterback Philip Rivers celebrates after his team defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 2, 2018 at Heinz Field. (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers — who Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin labeled a, Hall of Fame caliber quarterback” — has a completion percentage of 68% on 194 passes and 7 touchdowns, however, is missing his anchor on the offensive line for the season.  Mike Pouncey (twin brother to Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey) was placed on the team’s injured reserve list on Oct 9 after suffering a neck injury against the Broncos. An injury that will have him sidelined for the season, possibly longer.

Rivers, who has faced adversity before, said in a press conference, “We have to be physical, come out and be hungry.”

The Steelers — on the other hand — must rely on their defense to carry the load and stop the Chargers offense who has proven to be efficient in recent history. The addition of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has assisted Pittsburgh in defensive stops across the middle. In his Steelers debut, he recorded an interception and has made a significant impact in the secondary. Fitzpatrick was acquired from the Miami Dolphins for a 2020 1st round pick and a 6th-rounder in 2021.

Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)
Brian Cook is an Emmy-nominated international journalist who has been covering the National Football League since 2005. He can be reached at BCook@GoldenSkyMedia.com.
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Steelers’ Watt Celebrated by Teammates, Fans, Brother on Birthday

Steelers defensive end TJ Watt (90) during practice. (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)

PITTSBURGH (GSM) — Steelers defensive end TJ Watt spent his 25th birthday at practice while his team and admirers took to social media sending well wishes. Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt sent some brotherly love as well as his younger brother embarks on a quarter of a century.

Heading into the week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, Watt has 17 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and 1 interception.


 

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Steelers QB Rudolph Leaves Game With Concussion

Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph walks off the field with assistance by teammates after suffering a concussion in the game against the Baltimore Ravens on October 6, 2019 at Heinz Field. He was treated and released at a local Pittsburgh hospital. (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)

PITTSBURGH (GSM) – A scary moment came in the 3rd quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens where Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph was knocked out following a vicious hit by Earl Thomas. The hit  left him unconscious for several minutes and an obvious stoppage of play. Rudolph was able to walk off of the field, woozy and discombobulated. 

Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph walks off the field with assistance by teammates after suffering a concussion in the game against the Baltimore Ravens on October 6, 2019 at Heinz Field. He was treated and released at a local Pittsburgh hospital. (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)

Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media confirming the aftermath was a concussion.  “I thought he represented himself well. He gave us a chance. You have to tip your hat to him.” Tomlin said. “You are talking about a guy that didn’t make our opening 53 and all those things, we know his story. You also have to acknowledge that he has done some good things at every step along the way through the team development process when given the opportunity and that is why he is in the position that he is in. That is probably why he made the positive showing in spots that he did today.”

Pittsburgh Steelers​ undrafted quarterback Devlin Hodges puts on his helmet moments before going into the game against the Ravens, following a vicious hit which left starter Mason Rudolph unconscious. He went 7-9 for 68 yards on October 6, 2019 at Heinz Field. (Brian Cook​ / Golden Sky Media Company)

The Steelers lost the game 26-23 and travel to the West Coast to face the Chargers on Sunday.

The following video is courtesy of the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ Twitter feed:

BRIAN COOK IS AN EMMY-NOMINATED INTERNATIONAL JOURNALIST WHO HAS BEEN COVERING THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE SINCE 2005. HE CAN BE REACHED AT BCOOK@GOLDENSKYMEDIA.COM.
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