The Steelers had 14 rushing yards through two quarters against LA, but eventually patience and persistence won the day.
How tough was the sledding initially? Those 14 rushing yards in the first 30 minutes included a 5-yard touchdown run on a read-option/keeper by quarterback Justin Fields.
The traditional running backs, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren accounted for a combined 6 yards on five carries.
But by game's end the Steelers were gashing the Chargers' defense on a clock-grinding drive that began with 4:59 left in regulation and ended with Fields taking a knee from Victory Formation on the last two snaps.
"It's such a long game," offensive coordinator Arthur Smith observed. "They're gonna have a new plan, how it's going, how you adapt to the situation, our guys did a good job. We preach about 'don't panic.' We kinda saw what they were doing, they were gonna have a plan of the day. You get that, settle some people down.
The Steelers prepare for the Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Rodney Williams (87) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Brandon Johnson (89) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Jack Colletto (45) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo (73) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman John Leglue (68) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Rodney Williams (87) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Doug Nester (72) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver coach Zach Azzanni during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo (73) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Calvin Anderson (67) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver coach Zach Azzanni during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Rodney Williams (87) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Ward (35) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Aaron Shampklin (33) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Marcus Haynes (53) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Inside linebackers during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Thomas Graham Jr. (37) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ayo Oyelola (17) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (57) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback C.J. Henderson (33) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Jacob Slade (79) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Dean Lowry (94) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Dean Lowry (94) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
"We believe in what we're about and the way we work and we were able to take over in the second half."
The Steelers rushed for 100 yards on 22 second-half carries on the way to last Sunday's 20-10 triumph.
They stayed committed to the run because they believe that's who they are and because that's the type of team they aspire to be, and because such an approach can pay dividends on game day and down the road.
"You talk about short-term strategy, long-term strategy," Smith continued. "You do whatever it takes to win that game (that you're playing). But when you're built like we are … you're talking about keeping the defense fresh, too.
"You have a dominant defense. If you're saving (snaps for the defense) with the time of possession and assuming that you're in control and you have a lead, those add up. You talk about being fresher, hopefully in November, December and certainly in January, that's what you want."
The Steelers prepare for the Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Marcus Haynes (53) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Marcus Haynes (53) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Adetokunbo Ogundeji (48) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Aaron Shampklin (33) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds (38) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The second-half ground assault against the Chargers included four carries for 33 yards by Cordarrelle Patterson, who is a tight end-, wide receiver- and running back-capable weapon in Smith's arsenal as well as an accomplished kickoff returner.
Patterson took over backfield duties for Warren, who was removed from the game by Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
Warren (knee) did not practice for the second consecutive day today, which means Patterson may assume more of a ball-carrying work load this Sunday in Indianapolis, perhaps even a heavy load if circumstances dictate.
"It just depends on the plan," Smith said. "Certainly, he's done it before."
Patterson most recently did it for Smith in 2022 in Atlanta (22 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown in a 27-26 loss to New Orleans; and 17 carries for 141 yards and a score in a 27-23 victory at Seattle).
He knows the drill.
And the extent of Smith's commit to the running game.
