After a Week 2 that saw many strong performances all around, the Pittsburgh Steelers now focus their attention on the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers come into this week just like the Steelers with a 2-0 record. Their wins came over the Oakland Raiders and struggling Carolina Panthers. This contest looks to be a low-scoring affair as both teams have only allowed a combined 29 points to start the season. The strong defensive matchup means that someone must be a difference-maker on offense.

For the Chargers, that difference maker has been the newly acquired J.K. Dobbins. Through two weeks, Dobbins has 266 yards and two touchdowns. For the Steelers, no one has stepped up as a game-breaker just yet. George Pickens had a strong Week 1 outing followed up by a quiet two-catch 29-yard performance in Week 2. Pat Freirmuth led the way in Week 2 with three catches for 39 yards in the victory.

With all this in mind, let us check out who could potentially make the difference in a crucial Week 3 bout.

RB Najee Harris

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With a conservative passing attack through the first two weeks, Najee Harris has been the main offensive producer. Harris (like everyone on the Steelers except Darnell Washington) has yet to reach the endzone in 2024. However, his 139 rushing yards have provided enough to keep his team in winning situations.

With a talented Chargers pass rush, you can expect Harris to see a hefty amount of carries alongside Jaylen Warren. Through the first two weeks, the Steelers have led both their opponents in time of possession with the running game being a massive part of that. If they want to beat a stingy Chargers team, this will be key once again.

TE Pat Freiermuth

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Pat Freiermuth’s solid Week 2 contest shows promise for things to come. After a difficult last two seasons, Steelers fans have yet to see their recently signed tight end take off. There is no question Freiermuth has the talent to be a lethal weapon in this Steeler offense, the question is simply, will Arthur Smith give him the chance?

If Freiermuth can build off Week 2 and have back-to-back solid weeks, things could be on the rise. It does not take a rocket scientist to solve the fact that the Steelers are currently limited in aerial options. With that being said, a heavier dose of Freiermuth in this offense could mean good things as the season treks on.

OT Broderick Jones

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Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones lost his starting spot on the line last week in his squad’s victory over Denver. Not starting did not mean Jones did not get action though as he split time with rookie Troy Fautanu. Now, with Fautanu now out indefinitely after tweaking his knee in practice on Friday, it’ll be Jones back in the starting position.

In splitting downs with Fautanu, Jones did not look the greatest committing a few costly fouls that made the game a little more interesting than necessary. Although he did not look the greatest, Jones is still one of the most promising prospects on this Steelers’ line. If Jones can make the most of his time against a tough Chargers defense, he will no doubt be closer to starting, even with Fautanu healthy, once again.

LB T.J. Watt

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There is no question T.J. Watt is a player to watch each week, given the circumstances this week though, you will want to keep an extra close eye on No. 90. Watt lines up against the ultra-talented rookie Joe Alt. This will arguably be Watt’s toughest test yet this season and will showcase just how important Watt can be to the Steelers.

Through the first two games, Watt has made plays that have changed the trajectory of the game (whether they were called back or not). That narrative should not change as we enter Week 3 expecting another explosive game from the outside linebacker. If Watt can break past Alt for at least one sack and two or three tackles, the Steelers should be in good shape.

CB Cory Trice Jr.

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Cory Trice Jr. had the best game of his young NFL career this past week in Denver, registering a crucial interception on Bo Nix while recording two total tackles. Trice sits behind two talented corners on the Steeler’s current depth chart in Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson. This does not go to say he could not make a move up that list with more performances like this.

The depth the Steelers have on defense at every position is something fans have been itching for in Pittsburgh. Trice’s epic Week 2 showing will likely give the second-year pro more opportunities to prove himself here in Week 3.

Whether it is Justin Herbert (questionable with a high ankle sprain) or Easton Stick, the Steelers will need someone to step up on offense and their defense to continue to dominate if they hope to walk out of Acrisure Stadium 3-0.