The Los Angeles Chargers clinched a dominant 25-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The squad improved to a 7-3 record with their third straight win. However, one thing that bothered head coach Jim Harbaugh throughout the game was the safety of his quarterback, Justin Herbert, who took multiple questionable hits.

There were reportedly a few hits that should have been called by the refs for roughing the passer. But that didn’t happen. So, after the game, Harbaugh sent a subtle message while praising the QB for his toughness and seemingly urged the officials should be more careful in such situations.

“He’s as tough as they come…I have another opinion on that, but I don’t want to say it publicly,” he said. “He got hi-lowed, hit low a couple times. I think that needs to be looked at”.

Coach Harbaugh’s message wasn’t exactly direct. However, it shed light on some of the issues. At one point during the game, the QB even took a hit on his ankle from a hip-drop tackle. His ankle appeared to be rolled under his body. The hip drop tackle is illegal and has already caused several fines this season. The refs also reportedly missed a low tackle on Herbert. This was another hit that could have injured the quarterback. Some could potentially even result in a season-ending injury. He was sacked five times during the game.

For Coach Harbaugh, who stressed quarterback protection all season, this remains a major concern and understandably so. The Chargers still lack a strong offensive line capable of consistently protecting Herbert. Harbaugh has repeatedly stressed the need for improvement, especially with the unit battling a series of nagging injuries.

After tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a season-ending knee injury, tackle Joe Alt stepped in. However, Alt is also sidelined with a high ankle sprain. Protecting the quarterback will be crucial to boosting the team’s playoff chances. With their bye week not until Week 12, just before facing the Las Vegas Raiders, the Chargers will need all the help and energy they can get.

For now, though, they can enjoy a moment of relief after defeating the Steelers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Aaron Rodgers had the worst game against the Chargers

Apart from the sacks, Herbert finished 20-for-33 for 220 yards while rushing for 19 yards on five carries. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey had the best game with four receptions for a team-high 107 receiving yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Quentin Johnston had five receptions for 42 yards. The Chargers dominated the game, while the Steelers’ quarterback struggled to find rhythm.

The Chargers kept Rodgers out of the end zone until Roman Wilson’s 27-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter. The veteran QB finished 16-of-31 for 161 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. He also missed quite a few throws.

With Rodgers under center, the entire offensive unit appeared out of sync. Later, during the press conference, he admitted his mistakes and issues. There are clearly issues in the offense that showed up as Rodgers struggled.

As we pass the midseason mark, more challenges are bound to come, and how the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers handle those remains to be seen.