Phillip Rivers knew just where to look to start this game off as he found his favorite target Keenan Allen for a nice gain on the first play of the game. After connecting with Allen twice more, Rivers could not do enough on this drive and the Chargers looked to add three points on the board with a field goal. However, Michael Badgley missed the 52-yard attempt.
Steelers got their chance to be first on the scoreboard after the missed field goal attempt and they came showcased James Conner in the ground game to get things started. Roethlisberger found Antonio Brown for the first down and got him going early before finding him again for 44 yards.
So to recap....@AB84 did this. pic.twitter.com/UcAclMwwAF
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 3, 2018
The Steelers capped off their impressive start with a rushing touchdown courtesy of James Conner from 1-yard out. Chris Boswell nailed the extra point to give Pittsburgh a 7-0 lead.
Then @JamesConner_ went ahead and did this. pic.twitter.com/H6CQqXpwse
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 3, 2018
Rookie Terrell Edmunds found Phillip Rivers for an impressive sack and forced another long 3rd down for Los Angeles. Edmunds' play was enough to eventually force a punt and Steelers got the ball back almost instantaneously.
I came in like a wrecking ballllllllllllll ???? pic.twitter.com/AS45xHTjAl
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 3, 2018
A huge pass interference penalty on a pass intended for Ryan Switzer put the Steelers in excellent scoring position once more. The Steelers called upon their young stud running back once more as Conner pounded the ball in for another score. Boswell missed the extra point, but Pittsburgh leads 13-0.
If one touchdown is good, then two is definitely better. pic.twitter.com/tmVnnpDdON
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 3, 2018
The Chargers came out swinging on their next drive as Rivers found wide receiver Travis Benjamin for a huge touchdown after a blatant false start on the Chargers offensive line. Chargers down 13-7 after the Benjamin touchdown.
Steelers got things going on offense through the ground game with Conner and rookie Jaylen Samuels. Big Ben extended the Steelers drive connecting with JuJu Smith-Schuster on consecutive plays. Unfortunately Roethlisberger gave the ball back to the Chargers as they approached the red zone when safety Derwin James came up with the big time interception.
With a little under four minutes in the half to go L.J. Fort came up with a big block on the Chargers attempted punt in which the Steelers recovered with nice field position.
L
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 3, 2018
J
F
O
R
T
BLOCK. pic.twitter.com/aIsbkhx3oi
Unfortunately after an overthrown pass to Justin Hunter, the Steelers had to settle for a field goal. Boswell hits and Pittsburgh adds to their lead, 16 to 7.
James Conner haunted the Chargers further more in this game as he turned on the jets for a big gain and JuJu had a nice first down of his own to march the Steelers offense down field. Roethlisberger kept his cool as time was expiring and found Antonio Brown in the back of the end zone for a gorgeous 28-yard touchdown connection. Steelers lead 23-7 heading into half time.
12th of the season for ????. pic.twitter.com/rlZQ6RlhX6
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 3, 2018
Phillip Rivers and Keenan Allen were the only bright spot for the Chargers offense all night and that was solidified after a would-be interception by Joe Haden was knocked away by Sean Davis. The ball was bobbled and stayed in the air long enough for Keenan Allen to come up with the touchdown. Rivers found Antonio Gates for the two-point conversion. Steelers lead 23-15 after the successful drive by Los Angeles.
The Chargers took advantage of an unsuccessful offensive drive by the Steelers as Desmond King ran the ball back for a huge punt return for a touchdown. Rivers connects with Allen once more, this time for a two-point conversion. Chargers tie it up at 23 a piece.
Running back Justin Jackson made some big plays for the Chargers and kept their chances of taking the lead alive. Ultimately it was Jackson to finish the drive for the Chargers and helped Los Angeles their first lead of the game. Chargers up 30-23 with a little over eight minutes left.
The Steelers came out looking like they were on their way to tying things up as Big Ben passed the ball with great accuracy. The Steelers caught a break when JuJu caught a ball a bit short of the first down and Conner ran the rock easily for a first down. Conner than ran the ball for another first down, however he was hurt on the play and stayed down for a bit.
Jaylen Samuels came in immediately and they used the rookie back on the first play on a check down. Samuels was the man to finish the drive with a great catch and run. Steelers tie the game at 30 after the Boswell extra point.
ALL. TIED. UP. #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/tgfSJtWKny
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 3, 2018
The Chargers looked to continue their efficient offense and used Jackson and Allen like their last drive. Los Angeles was able to grind down field and Badgley knocks in 29-yard chip shot after three blatant offsides penalties by Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Stat Leaders
Ben Roethlisberger 281 Yards 2 Touchdowns
James Conner 60 Yards 2 Touchdowns
Antonio Brown 10 Receptions 154 Yards 1 Touchdown
L.J. Fort 12 Tackles 1 Blocked Kick
