Steelers vs. Chargers, 23-20: Full Highlights, final score and more

The Steelers edged out the Chargers with a last second touchdown in thrilling fashion

Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers found themselves in a war with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football. The game started out as a grind-it-out type of affair in San Diego as both Michael Vick and Rivers were struggling to find time in the pocket to make plays in the passing game. Le’Veon Bell was able to break off some impressive runs, but ultimately wasn’t able to break away for the big one. That ultimately led to offense coming at a premium for both squads in the first two quarters of play and the two teams going into the half with the Chargers up by a low score of 7-3.

The third quarter held more of the same as the only scoring in the quarter was a pick-six thrown by Rivers that put the Steelers up by a field goal. However, the scoring opened up in the second half as Rivers started finding Antonio Gates consistently open in the middle of the field to start moving the ball down the field effectively. This led to a Gates touchdown, but Vick immediately answered with a 72-yard bomb to Markus Wheaton to tie the game at 17 points apiece. A solid drive and Josh Lambo field goal put the Chargers ahead with just over two minutes left.

However, Vick led the Steelers on a huge two-minute drill at the end of the game including some timely completions and a monster scramble from the veteran quarterback. That led to one last play from the 1/2-yard line, which Mike Tomlin decided to gamble on and go for the touchdown. They ran a wildcat run to Le’Veon Bell, which he gambled again with by waiting on a hole. It paid off, though, as Bell found his way into the end zone as time expired for the game-winning score.

Three stars

Le’Veon Bell was obviously enormous for the Steelers as he scored the game-winning touchdown, but also ran for 111 yards on 21 carries on the evening.

Michael Vick wasn’t good for much of the game, but his play on the final drive on the game was huge for his team. He finished the game with 203 yards passing, just one interception, and a timely 24 rushing yards.

Even in the loss, Antonio Gates was huge for the Chargers. The tight end returning from suspension finished his first game back with nine catches for 92 yards and two trips to the end zone.

Highlights

Odds

The Chargers were favored by four points in this game, which they obviously failed to cover with the loss. Meanwhile the two teams combined for 43 points to just hit the under on the 45.5-point over/under.

Next Week

The Chargers will look to rebound from a tough loss next week as they face a major challenge on the road at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers.

Pittsburgh will be looking to gain momentum from a big win as they’re back at Heinz Field next week to take on the one-loss Arizona Cardinals.