Pre-Game Thread - San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers (1 Viewer)

[Gold Plated Nails]

Aren't the Steelers also #1 in rushing defense?

If that's the case, I think you play to your strength if you're the Chargers, knowing that either way, moving the ball will be tough.

Sounds like the Bolts might as well not show up. Actually it sounds alot like last years Divisional Round, where everyone was calling for an Indy blowout (even though the game earlier in the year was hard fought decided in the waning moments on a FG). Maybe we should bump up that thread.

 

[thesurfshop19]

Aren't the Steelers also #1 in rushing defense?

If that's the case, I think you play to your strength if you're the Chargers, knowing that either way, moving the ball will be tough.

Sounds like the Bolts might as well not show up. Actually it sounds alot like last years Divisional Round, where everyone was calling for an Indy blowout (even though the game earlier in the year was hard fought decided in the waning moments on a FG). Maybe we should bump up that thread.

I could be way off, but I feel like the Chargers win this thing. Not sure if the NFL has changed in some regard, but the last three Super Bowl champions basically caught fire late in the season -- each winning on the road at least once and playing 4 games.The resiliency of the Chargers has me ... *gasp* ... rooting for them this week? Is that possible? It might be. I'm not sure yet.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Aren't the Steelers also #1 in rushing defense?

If that's the case, I think you play to your strength if you're the Chargers, knowing that either way, moving the ball will be tough.

Sounds like the Bolts might as well not show up. Actually it sounds alot like last years Divisional Round, where everyone was calling for an Indy blowout (even though the game earlier in the year was hard fought decided in the waning moments on a FG). Maybe we should bump up that thread.

Overreact much? Can I ask you what in "thesurfshops" post would insinuate a blowout in favor of the Steelers? Very few people expect this game to be a blowout. You're just trying to play the "respect" card when there really isn't one to play.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

Aren't the Steelers also #1 in rushing defense?

If that's the case, I think you play to your strength if you're the Chargers, knowing that either way, moving the ball will be tough.

Sounds like the Bolts might as well not show up. Actually it sounds alot like last years Divisional Round, where everyone was calling for an Indy blowout (even though the game earlier in the year was hard fought decided in the waning moments on a FG). Maybe we should bump up that thread.

Overreact much? Can I ask you what in "thesurfshops" post would insinuate a blowout in favor of the Steelers? Very few people expect this game to be a blowout. You're just trying to play the "respect" card when there really isn't one to play.

Have you read your local paper? http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09005/939647-87.stmHave you checked any other forums, have you turned on sportsradio. Heck look at the game thread yesterday where Chase is predicting a -9 point spread and blowout. Same with MOP and others. Wasn't singling out thesurfshops, just this game has the same feeling as last years.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Aren't the Steelers also #1 in rushing defense?

If that's the case, I think you play to your strength if you're the Chargers, knowing that either way, moving the ball will be tough.

Sounds like the Bolts might as well not show up. Actually it sounds alot like last years Divisional Round, where everyone was calling for an Indy blowout (even though the game earlier in the year was hard fought decided in the waning moments on a FG). Maybe we should bump up that thread.

Overreact much? Can I ask you what in "thesurfshops" post would insinuate a blowout in favor of the Steelers? Very few people expect this game to be a blowout. You're just trying to play the "respect" card when there really isn't one to play.

Have you read your local paper? http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09005/939647-87.stmHave you checked any other forums, have you turned on sportsradio. Heck look at the game thread yesterday where Chase is predicting a -9 point spread and blowout. Same with MOP and others. Wasn't singling out thesurfshops, just this game has the same feeling as last years.

Thats one beat writer from Pittsburgh. Big deal!!! What other forums and sportsradio shows are you talking about. You have to be more specific because I have no idea what you're talking about. Based on this forum alone, I think most people believe this game will be close. As a Steeler fan, I can tell you that I'm extremely nervous. SD is hot and has the offense that can put up a lot of points (even on the Steelers D). ETA.....In my opinion, last year's game againsts the Colts had a completely different feel. Many of the Chargers key offensive starters were either playing hurt or out of that game. They showed a tremendous amount of heart to dominate that game.

 

[jonessed]

Aren't the Steelers also #1 in rushing defense?

If that's the case, I think you play to your strength if you're the Chargers, knowing that either way, moving the ball will be tough.

Sounds like the Bolts might as well not show up. Actually it sounds alot like last years Divisional Round, where everyone was calling for an Indy blowout (even though the game earlier in the year was hard fought decided in the waning moments on a FG). Maybe we should bump up that thread.

Overreact much? Can I ask you what in "thesurfshops" post would insinuate a blowout in favor of the Steelers? Very few people expect this game to be a blowout. You're just trying to play the "respect" card when there really isn't one to play.

Have you read your local paper? http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09005/939647-87.stmHave you checked any other forums, have you turned on sportsradio. Heck look at the game thread yesterday where Chase is predicting a -9 point spread and blowout. Same with MOP and others. Wasn't singling out thesurfshops, just this game has the same feeling as last years.

Who cares? Last time we saw them in the playoffs they were recording their SB dance routines before they faceplanted. They are 3/7 against playoff teams this year. Definitely beatable. With any luck they will be looking past this game.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Aren't the Steelers also #1 in rushing defense?

If that's the case, I think you play to your strength if you're the Chargers, knowing that either way, moving the ball will be tough.

Sounds like the Bolts might as well not show up. Actually it sounds alot like last years Divisional Round, where everyone was calling for an Indy blowout (even though the game earlier in the year was hard fought decided in the waning moments on a FG). Maybe we should bump up that thread.

Overreact much? Can I ask you what in "thesurfshops" post would insinuate a blowout in favor of the Steelers? Very few people expect this game to be a blowout. You're just trying to play the "respect" card when there really isn't one to play.

Have you read your local paper? http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09005/939647-87.stmHave you checked any other forums, have you turned on sportsradio. Heck look at the game thread yesterday where Chase is predicting a -9 point spread and blowout. Same with MOP and others. Wasn't singling out thesurfshops, just this game has the same feeling as last years.

Who cares? Last time we saw them in the playoffs they were recording their SB dance routines before they faceplanted. They are 3/7 against playoff teams this year. Definitely beatable. With any luck they will be looking past this game.

I don't think this will happen with a Tomlin coached team. If nothing else, this guy is focused. The Steelers know they have plenty of deficiencies so I don't think they'll be looking past anyone. If that does happen, I agree that the Chargers will provide a rude awakening for them.

 

[Tom Servo]

Who cares? Last time we saw them in the playoffs they were recording their SB dance routines before they faceplanted. They are 3/7 against playoff teams this year. Definitely beatable. With any luck they will be looking past this game.

I don't think this will happen with a Tomlin coached team. If nothing else, this guy is focused. The Steelers know they have plenty of deficiencies so I don't think they'll be looking past anyone. If that does happen, I agree that the Chargers will provide a rude awakening for them.

Agreed; MT does not let this team get much beyond the cliched "one week at a time". Plus, there are enough guys who've been down this road before who can keep any potential loudmouths in their shoes.

 

[Anonymous Internet User]

looks like LT is already ruled out of this game, putting the load on Sproles, Bennett, and Hester against the Pitt run D. how did the Steelers fare against small, change-of-pace backs this year?

 

[Godsbrother]

looks like LT is already ruled out of this game, putting the load on Sproles, Bennett, and Hester against the Pitt run D. how did the Steelers fare against small, change-of-pace backs this year?

Not a very big sample size but here is how the 2008 Steelers defense fared against smaller backs (5'9" & under):S. Slaton - Rushing: 13/43, Receiving: 3/6M. Jones-Drew - Rushing: 5/7/1 TD Receiving: 6/23D. Sproles - Rushing: 1/0 Receiving: 1/9K. Faulk - Rushing: 6/73 Receiving: 6/48

 

[Despyzer]

looks like LT is already ruled out of this game, putting the load on Sproles, Bennett, and Hester against the Pitt run D. how did the Steelers fare against small, change-of-pace backs this year?

Not a very big sample size but here is how the 2008 Steelers defense fared against smaller backs (5'9" & under):S. Slaton - Rushing: 13/43, Receiving: 3/6M. Jones-Drew - Rushing: 5/7/1 TD Receiving: 6/23D. Sproles - Rushing: 1/0 Receiving: 1/9K. Faulk - Rushing: 6/73 Receiving: 6/48

So almost 5 yards per carry.

 

[ceisenhower66]

Holy crap, is Wikipedia correct? Is Rivers' full name really "Ignatius Philip Rivers" or is that just a joke? That might be the funniest thing I have read in a long time! Ignatius...that is great. No wonder he is mad at the world.

About 20 degrees at kickoff...man, it is going to be cold in our nosebleed bleacher seats!

 

[jonessed]

looks like LT is already ruled out of this game, putting the load on Sproles, Bennett, and Hester against the Pitt run D. how did the Steelers fare against small, change-of-pace backs this year?

I doubt he plays much but according to all the sources I can find he is still day-to-day.

 

[fred_1_15301]

looks like LT is already ruled out of this game, putting the load on Sproles, Bennett, and Hester against the Pitt run D. how did the Steelers fare against small, change-of-pace backs this year?

Not a very big sample size but here is how the 2008 Steelers defense fared against smaller backs (5'9" & under):S. Slaton - Rushing: 13/43, Receiving: 3/6M. Jones-Drew - Rushing: 5/7/1 TD Receiving: 6/23D. Sproles - Rushing: 1/0 Receiving: 1/9K. Faulk - Rushing: 6/73 Receiving: 6/48

So almost 5 yards per carry.

In all honesty, Sproles is exactly the type of back that the Steelers love to face. They struggle against the big, bruising backs like McClain.

 

[tommyGunZ]

I've been a big Tomlinson defender, and I still believe it takes a bigger man to pull himself out when he's hurt rather than limping around out there b/c of ego. And I'm sure that LT is frustrated at the timing of his injuries the past couple of years; he's worked his whole career for these games and it must be killing him knowing he can't contribute.That being said, I don't get a feeling of true sincerity from some of his comments lately. He's saying the right things, but I don't get the sense that he's truly happy for Sproles excelling in his place. I got that feeling from his comments after the Indy game, and again when reading this from him today:

Tomlinson said he was proud of Sproles."Anytime a guy gets an opportunity, you want him to do well, especially when it's one of your guys and you're all out for the same goal. We always talk about how we're going to need each other and it's not more important than it is now. We definitely need him."

I mean, it sounds good, but why the qualifier? Why not something along the lines of "Darren has worked so hard for the past couple of years, we knew he was special...."?I'm probably reading too much into this, but I don't know.

 

[jonessed]

I've been a big Tomlinson defender, and I still believe it takes a bigger man to pull himself out when he's hurt rather than limping around out there b/c of ego. And I'm sure that LT is frustrated at the timing of his injuries the past couple of years; he's worked his whole career for these games and it must be killing him knowing he can't contribute.That being said, I don't get a feeling of true sincerity from some of his comments lately. He's saying the right things, but I don't get the sense that he's truly happy for Sproles excelling in his place. I got that feeling from his comments after the Indy game, and again when reading this from him today:

Tomlinson said he was proud of Sproles."Anytime a guy gets an opportunity, you want him to do well, especially when it's one of your guys and you're all out for the same goal. We always talk about how we're going to need each other and it's not more important than it is now. We definitely need him."

I mean, it sounds good, but why the qualifier? Why not something along the lines of "Darren has worked so hard for the past couple of years, we knew he was special...."?I'm probably reading too much into this, but I don't know.

You're reading into it. Sproles mentioned that LT came over to him multiple times during the game to give him encouragement and advice. Obviously he's disappointed and I imagine his enthusiasm is tempered, but that's only human.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Aren't the Steelers also #1 in rushing defense?

If that's the case, I think you play to your strength if you're the Chargers, knowing that either way, moving the ball will be tough.

Sounds like the Bolts might as well not show up. Actually it sounds alot like last years Divisional Round, where everyone was calling for an Indy blowout (even though the game earlier in the year was hard fought decided in the waning moments on a FG). Maybe we should bump up that thread.

Overreact much? Can I ask you what in "thesurfshops" post would insinuate a blowout in favor of the Steelers? Very few people expect this game to be a blowout. You're just trying to play the "respect" card when there really isn't one to play.

Have you read your local paper? http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09005/939647-87.stmHave you checked any other forums, have you turned on sportsradio. Heck look at the game thread yesterday where Chase is predicting a -9 point spread and blowout. Same with MOP and others. Wasn't singling out thesurfshops, just this game has the same feeling as last years.

Ron Cook is a hack and a troll has zero respect among Stiller fans I know. Don't take that as any sort of mindset of most of the fans.

 

[Godsbrother]

Aren't the Steelers also #1 in rushing defense?

If that's the case, I think you play to your strength if you're the Chargers, knowing that either way, moving the ball will be tough.

Sounds like the Bolts might as well not show up. Actually it sounds alot like last years Divisional Round, where everyone was calling for an Indy blowout (even though the game earlier in the year was hard fought decided in the waning moments on a FG). Maybe we should bump up that thread.

Overreact much? Can I ask you what in "thesurfshops" post would insinuate a blowout in favor of the Steelers? Very few people expect this game to be a blowout. You're just trying to play the "respect" card when there really isn't one to play.

Have you read your local paper? http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09005/939647-87.stmHave you checked any other forums, have you turned on sportsradio. Heck look at the game thread yesterday where Chase is predicting a -9 point spread and blowout. Same with MOP and others. Wasn't singling out thesurfshops, just this game has the same feeling as last years.

Ron Cook is a hack and a troll has zero respect among Stiller fans I know. Don't take that as any sort of mindset of most of the fans.

Ron Cook's forte is supposedly baseball but since reporting on the Pirates isn't very rewarding he's been writing about the Steelers and Penguins for the past few years. I don't value his insights on the Steelers at all.

I don't know of any other people that think this is a slam-dunk victory for the Steelers.

 

[timschochet]

The Chargers are 2-0 in the playoffs against the Steelers, both wins at the old Three Rivers Stadium. Most fans remember the second of these from the 1994 season, because it was the AFC Championship game and a huge upset, and the first of four agonizing AFC Championship game losses for us Steeler fans over the next 10 years.

But I remember the first game very well also, from 1982, because it was a classic matchup between Terry Bradshaw and Dan Fouts. It was Terry's last hurrah; he threw for 325 yards and four touchdowns, but it wasn't enough as Fouts was even better, 31-28. Bradshaw would be injured the following year and finally retired. As for the Chargers, those were the years when I always believed they were the best team in the NFL, but somehow they could never get to the Superbowl.

 

[timschochet]

As for the 1994 game, it's very high on my top five list of most frustrating Steeler playoff losses:

1. 2001 AFC Championship Game

2. 1994 AFC Championship Game

3. 1995 Superbowl

4. 2004 AFC Championship Game

5. 1997 AFC Championship Game

While the bottom 3 on this list were extremely hard to take, I have to admit I was expecting the outcome, though of course hoping for the best. The first two were ugly surprises, and they kept me up nights agonizing over them. The offseason was long and hard those two years.

 

[Godsbrother]

As for the 1994 game, it's very high on my top five list of most frustrating Steeler playoff losses:1. 2001 AFC Championship Game2. 1994 AFC Championship Game3. 1995 Superbowl4. 2004 AFC Championship Game5. 1997 AFC Championship GameWhile the bottom 3 on this list were extremely hard to take, I have to admit I was expecting the outcome, though of course hoping for the best. The first two were ugly surprises, and they kept me up nights agonizing over them. The offseason was long and hard those two years.

Those were all painful but none were as devastating as the Pirates loss to the Braves in Game 7 of the 1992 NLCS. I have never felt so bad after losing a game and the Pirates franchise has never recovered.

 

[Godsbrother]

The Chargers are 2-0 in the playoffs against the Steelers, both wins at the old Three Rivers Stadium. Most fans remember the second of these from the 1994 season, because it was the AFC Championship game and a huge upset, and the first of four agonizing AFC Championship game losses for us Steeler fans over the next 10 years. But I remember the first game very well also, from 1982, because it was a classic matchup between Terry Bradshaw and Dan Fouts. It was Terry's last hurrah; he threw for 325 yards and four touchdowns, but it wasn't enough as Fouts was even better, 31-28. Bradshaw would be injured the following year and finally retired. As for the Chargers, those were the years when I always believed they were the best team in the NFL, but somehow they could never get to the Superbowl.

I remember this game well and went to it. It was the "Playoff Tournament" because of the strike.Bradshaw threw for only 2 TDs though (ran for 2 more) but threw 2 ints. The last he threw at 3 Rivers was a pick in this game in a last minute effort to win the game -- and some people booed him.

 

[treat88]

Chargers are a quality team. They've earned the rematch.

11-10 is a very misleading final score for the first game. I know it's the only number that counts, but Pitt physically dominated them on the field. Maybe it was Goff's knee, but Smith made him look like a DII player.

13:1 will not happen again.

Pitt definitely plays down to the opponent and with Roth coming off the injury anything is possible.

 

[BoomBoom]

looks like LT is already ruled out of this game, putting the load on Sproles, Bennett, and Hester against the Pitt run D. how did the Steelers fare against small, change-of-pace backs this year?

Not a very big sample size but here is how the 2008 Steelers defense fared against smaller backs (5'9" & under):S. Slaton - Rushing: 13/43, Receiving: 3/6M. Jones-Drew - Rushing: 5/7/1 TD Receiving: 6/23D. Sproles - Rushing: 1/0 Receiving: 1/9K. Faulk - Rushing: 6/73 Receiving: 6/48

So almost 5 yards per carry.

In all honesty, Sproles is exactly the type of back that the Steelers love to face. They struggle against the big, bruising backs like McClain.

What about 5' 10" Tashard Choice, week 14 @ Pittsburgh?23 carries, 88 yards5 catches, 78 yards28 touches for Choice with Barber out...Sproles had 28 touches last week against the Colts (23/105, 5/45). Granted, the Colts are not the Steelers and the game is not in SD, but I think Sproles has a shot at 100 rush/rec yards combined if he gets in the neighborhood of 20 touches.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

13:1 will not happen again

what means this

 

[GoodLloydHaveMercy]

PIT has to keep the game low scoring. SD wants a shootout.

I don't think so. The Steelers are ranked #1 against the pass. If SD comes out throwing they could get themselves in trouble.

The Chargers are ranked #1 in passing offense. If PIT comes out having to defend the pass they could get themselves in trouble.

Don't forget that McFadden and Deshea Townsend were both out for their matchup earlier in the year.Sproles is the one that scares me... the steelers struggle from time to time with 'quick' backs (see Fred Taylor on Sunday Night Football a few years back and Eric Metcalf from LONG ago)

Screens... special teams... draws... swing passes to the flats. If San Diego challenges the flat zones like Tennessee, it could open up some opportunities down the field to Jackson & Co.

Should be a good, close game.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

oh christ. Even today, being reminded of the 1994 AFCCG is raising my blood pressure. TURRBLE

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

oh christ. Even today, being reminded of the 1994 AFCCG is raising my blood pressure. TURRBLE

Al Pupunu!

 

[Godsbrother]

What about 5' 10" Tashard Choice, week 14 @ Pittsburgh?

23 carries, 88 yards

5 catches, 78 yards

28 touches for Choice with Barber out...Sproles had 28 touches last week against the Colts (23/105, 5/45). Granted, the Colts are not the Steelers and the game is not in SD, but I think Sproles has a shot at 100 rush/rec yards combined if he gets in the neighborhood of 20 touches.

I would agree with this.

 

[fred_1_15301]

13:1 will not happen again

what means this

Was that the difference in penalties? It was definitely one-sided.

 

[treat88]

13:1 will not happen again

what means this

Was that the difference in penalties? It was definitely one-sided.

Correct.115 penalty yards for Pitt vs 5 for SD. (SD was flagged for an illegal contact that was declined).These penalties included a TD run by Parker that was called back and a phantom PI that set up the only SD TD.Understand, I am not attributing the closeness of the final score to this variable alone. However I believe it was the single most lopsided penalty margin in the league this season in any game played.This statistical anomaly won't repeat itself.

 

[Godsbrother]

This statistical anomaly won't repeat itself.

I dunno. Willie Colon is likely to rack up 115 yards in holding calls all by himself.

 

[treat88]

This statistical anomaly won't repeat itself.

I dunno. Willie Colon is likely to rack up 115 yards in holding calls all by himself.

Maybe Hochuli and Green can co-ref this game.Neither team will stand a chance.

 

[CrossEyed]

PIT has to keep the game low scoring. SD wants a shootout.

I don't think so. The Steelers are ranked #1 against the pass. If SD comes out throwing they could get themselves in trouble.

The Chargers are ranked #1 in passing offense. If PIT comes out having to defend the pass they could get themselves in trouble.

Don't forget that McFadden and Deshea Townsend were both out for their matchup earlier in the year.Sproles is the one that scares me... the steelers struggle from time to time with 'quick' backs (see Fred Taylor on Sunday Night Football a few years back and Eric Metcalf from LONG ago)

Screens... special teams... draws... swing passes to the flats. If San Diego challenges the flat zones like Tennessee, it could open up some opportunities down the field to Jackson & Co.

Should be a good, close game.

Only if he can stay sober.

 

[netmau5]

I think SD has a fair chance of winning this one, but I still believe Pitts is the clear favorite. That being said, I think if SD does win this one they will be so beat up (specifically, Sproles) that fielding the same team in the AFC championship will be difficult at best lol. I would love to see a matchup between great defenses in the AFC title game though, so I'm rooting for the Steelers~

 

[Godsbrother]

I think SD has a fair chance of winning this one, but I still believe Pitts is the clear favorite. That being said, I think if SD does win this one they will be so beat up (specifically, Sproles) that fielding the same team in the AFC championship will be difficult at best lol. I would love to see a matchup between great defenses in the AFC title game though, so I'm rooting for the Steelers~

This is an excellent point. As good as Sproles looks he is going to need some help. Sproles has been primarily the 3rd down back and return man. It would be a tall order (pun intended) to expect him to return kicks and stay on the field on 1st, 2nd and 3rd downs.Bennett looked pretty good last week so I expect his role to be almost as much as Sproles.

 

[tommyGunZ]

I think SD has a fair chance of winning this one, but I still believe Pitts is the clear favorite. That being said, I think if SD does win this one they will be so beat up (specifically, Sproles) that fielding the same team in the AFC championship will be difficult at best lol. I would love to see a matchup between great defenses in the AFC title game though, so I'm rooting for the Steelers~

This is an excellent point. As good as Sproles looks he is going to need some help. Sproles has been primarily the 3rd down back and return man. It would be a tall order (pun intended) to expect him to return kicks and stay on the field on 1st, 2nd and 3rd downs.Bennett looked pretty good last week so I expect his role to be almost as much as Sproles.

I hear you. As a Charger fan, I've been sort of hoping Cromartie is put on the kickoff/punt return team to give Sproles some relief.But then again, if the game is low scoring, Sproles will only be running back 3-4 kickoffs, so maybe he'll be okay.

 

[BoltBacker]

That being said, I think if SD does win this one they will be so beat up (specifically, Sproles) that fielding the same team in the AFC championship will be difficult at best lol.

As opposed to the winner of the BAL/TEN game. I'm sure those two defenses will be playing touch football.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I think SD has a fair chance of winning this one, but I still believe Pitts is the clear favorite. That being said, I think if SD does win this one they will be so beat up (specifically, Sproles) that fielding the same team in the AFC championship will be difficult at best lol. I would love to see a matchup between great defenses in the AFC title game though, so I'm rooting for the Steelers~

This is an excellent point. As good as Sproles looks he is going to need some help. Sproles has been primarily the 3rd down back and return man. It would be a tall order (pun intended) to expect him to return kicks and stay on the field on 1st, 2nd and 3rd downs.Bennett looked pretty good last week so I expect his role to be almost as much as Sproles.

I hear you. As a Charger fan, I've been sort of hoping Cromartie is put on the kickoff/punt return team to give Sproles some relief.But then again, if the game is low scoring, Sproles will only be running back 3-4 kickoffs, so maybe he'll be okay.

I was wondering last weekend why Cromartie wasn't returning kickoffs. He had a beautiful kickoff return in last year's playoffs against the Colts (called back on a phantom holding penalty).If Craig Davis were healthy I'd have Cromartie handle kickoffs and Davis handle punts; and I'd have Sproles focus on offense.

With Davis out, I'd stick with Sproles on punts.

 

[BoltBacker]

I think SD has a fair chance of winning this one, but I still believe Pitts is the clear favorite. That being said, I think if SD does win this one they will be so beat up (specifically, Sproles) that fielding the same team in the AFC championship will be difficult at best lol. I would love to see a matchup between great defenses in the AFC title game though, so I'm rooting for the Steelers~

This is an excellent point. As good as Sproles looks he is going to need some help. Sproles has been primarily the 3rd down back and return man. It would be a tall order (pun intended) to expect him to return kicks and stay on the field on 1st, 2nd and 3rd downs.Bennett looked pretty good last week so I expect his role to be almost as much as Sproles.

I don't.Sproles 23 carries last week was more than 1/3rd of the carries he had during the ENTIRE regular season. Sproles had less than 10 carries 15/16 games this season. I don't see him wearing down after one game. I don't think he can be a 20+ carry rb for a full 16 game season but for 3-4 weeks.... yeh, I think he can hold up especially since he isn't expected to take any short yardage pounding.

Another game between two talented but beatable teams that are well coached, just like last week. I think it will be close, just like last week.

I don't agree with most Charger fans that think SD is playing much better than they were earlier in the season. They are making 1-2 more plays a game in games that could go either way. For instance vs INDY, one game they lose on a 51 yard FG at the end of the game, in the second they win the coin toss and win in overtime.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

I think the problem isn't going to be the Chargers' offense, which will do some good things until the game gets out of hand. It's the defense. They seem to match up well with Indianapolis and nobody else. Once it his double digits, the Chargers will have to change their game plan and play right into the Steelers D.

Pitt 30

SD 7

I really like what the SD offense is doing, but I just don't see the D being able to keep them in a grind-it-out game.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I think the problem isn't going to be the Chargers' offense, which will do some good things until the game gets out of hand. It's the defense. They seem to match up well with Indianapolis and nobody else. Once it his double digits, the Chargers will have to change their game plan and play right into the Steelers D.Pitt 30SD 7I really like what the SD offense is doing, but I just don't see the D being able to keep them in a grind-it-out game.

If you're projecting a score of 30-7, you must think the problem is going to be the Chargers' offense.Or did you mean 30-27? (The Chargers haven't lost by double digits since Adrian Peterson destroyed them in week 9 of last year.)

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

I think the problem isn't going to be the Chargers' offense, which will do some good things until the game gets out of hand. It's the defense. They seem to match up well with Indianapolis and nobody else. Once it his double digits, the Chargers will have to change their game plan and play right into the Steelers D.Pitt 30SD 7I really like what the SD offense is doing, but I just don't see the D being able to keep them in a grind-it-out game.

If you're projecting a score of 30-7, you must think the problem is going to be the Chargers' offense.Or did you mean 30-27? (The Chargers haven't lost by double digits since Adrian Peterson destroyed them in week 9 of last year.)

No, I mean 30-7-- as in a close, 13-7 game for awhile until the D collapses and forces the offense to take risks they can't afford to make, which leads to good field position and potential defensive scores. With a solid D, the Chargers could win by scoring 17 points. I just think the defense will fare poorly against a non-Colts opponent.I don't think anybody is going to run up the score on the Steelers at Heinz, so a low-scoring contest is the way to win. I don't think the Chargers have the D for it, putting the O in bad situations.I admit that a reverse jinx wouldn't bother me here, but that's how I really see it, anyway.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

As a Ravens fan, I'm trying really hard to find enough legitimate ways to feel good about a SD victory here. But I really think the Stillers win by 10+. I agree with NBZ above in that it'll be close for a while, but I see a snow-balling of Pittsburgh points late in the game for a convincing win - maybe 31-17.

SD's best hope is to hit Ben early, hard, and often - knock him simple & try to win a close one something like 17-13.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I think the problem isn't going to be the Chargers' offense, which will do some good things until the game gets out of hand. It's the defense. They seem to match up well with Indianapolis and nobody else. Once it his double digits, the Chargers will have to change their game plan and play right into the Steelers D.Pitt 30SD 7I really like what the SD offense is doing, but I just don't see the D being able to keep them in a grind-it-out game.

SD dont get blown out, they might lose but it will be close

 

[pecorino]

not only are the steelers the better team, they'll also have home-field advantage, the frigid weather, a gimpy LT and the Vincent Jackson distraction in their favor. i'll take the steelers -6. let's call it 24-9.

 

[H.K.]

Tomlin expects LT to be in San Diego's backfield Sunday

By Scott Brown, TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he expects LaDainian Tomlinson to play in Sunday's AFC divisional game at Heinz Field even though the Chargers running back has a groin injury.

Tomlinson left the Chargers' 23-17 overtime win over Indianapolis last Saturday and the five-time Pro Bowler has said he does not know if he will be able to play against the Steelers.

Tomlin said today the Steelers will prepare this week as if Tomlinson will play in Sunday's 4:45 p.m. game.

"Guys like him defy the odds," Tomlin said today at his weekly news conference. "That's why he is who he is."

The Steelers, meanwhile, are as healthy as they've been all season.

Gotta love an NFL coach working the jinx mojo on an opposing player, I am really starting to like Tomlin!

 

[jonessed]

This so feels like 1994 . I loved watching that game and the consequent fallout.

 

[Tom Servo]

I think the problem isn't going to be the Chargers' offense, which will do some good things until the game gets out of hand. It's the defense. They seem to match up well with Indianapolis and nobody else. Once it his double digits, the Chargers will have to change their game plan and play right into the Steelers D.Pitt 30SD 7I really like what the SD offense is doing, but I just don't see the D being able to keep them in a grind-it-out game.

SD dont get blown out, they might lose but it will be close

I said that about Penn State going against USC in the Rose Bowl.

 

[Tom Servo]

This so feels like 1994 . I loved watching that game and the consequent fallout.

You enjoyed watching SD get destroyed by the 49ers? Aren't you a Charger fan?