The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to start 3-0 for just the second time since 2010, and they’ have a formidable opponent standing in their way in the Los Angeles Chargers.

How will they get the job done? Here is this week’s keys to victory.

Efficiency in the run game

The Steelers have been lackluster in the run game, to say the least. They are 30th in EPA per rush, ahead of only the Las Vegas Raiders and Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, the Chargers are fifth in EPA per rush, and first in defensive EPA per rush. Now, oddly enough, the Chargers have played the Raiders and Panthers so how good is their run defense really? It is likely good, but inflated after playing two sub-par teams, one of which may be the worst team in history. The Steelers have racked up yards, but have yet to average more than four yards per carry. They need to pick up yards in chunks on the ground.

Another big defensive performance

The flip side of that coin is the Steelers need to have another strong showing from their defense. They’ve allowed just one touchdown in two games thus far, and their 16 points allowed are second only to – you guessed it – the Chargers. Joe Alt vs. T.J. Watt is going to be a matchup to watch. The rookie shut down Maxx Crosby in Week 1 and should be in the Rookie of the Year conversation. Justin Herbert is sporting a high ankle sprain. And while I think he ends up playing, he will be limited in how much he can move around, and the fact that it’s his plant foot being affected will change how much he can drive the ball downfield. Pittsburgh should load the box, take away their run game, and beg the Chargers to try to beat them with Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey.

Big plays in the passing game

Everyone views this as a game that will be played exclusively on the ground – and both teams will certainly run the ball – but they will also be very aware that their opponent will look to live and die with the run game. When it comes down to it, this game will be decided by a splash play. Right now, Justin Fields is third in the NFL in big time throws with four. And if not for two being called back because of penalties, he would be in second with six. The Steelers have had splash plays in abundance early on this season, and they are the offense I trust to be able to push the ball downfield more. Not because Fields is better than Herbert – he isn’t – but because Herbert is dealing with an ankle sprain and he doesn’t have George Pickens. In what will be a low-scoring, physical game, a deep shot will be the decider.