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

[jonessed]

Refs/flags can't be used as an excuse for wins/losses.However looking back on that game, without the refs lopsided involvement, the score could have easily been 23-0.It's just conjecture on the score thing, but fact is Pitt physically dominated that game

Yeah... easily 23-0. More than likely 40-0 though. 50-0? Well within Ben's reach.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Chargers had the ball first and goal at the 6 with 7:30 left and had to settle for the FG.

 

[CrossEyed]

Doesn't look like weather will be a huge factor.

Especially if you consider that the Chargers are 5-3 over the past three seasons in games in which the temperature at kickoff has been 42 degrees or below.

Just out of curiosity, why would you use 42 degrees as the dividing line? 42 really isn't very cold.

My fault. I didn't use it. Kevin Acee of The Sporting News and SDTrib did. I should have attributed him in the first place.As for why, maybe that's what he felt a Southern Californian might consider cold. Maybe there weren't enough games that they have played in that were very much colder to come up with what looked like a meaningful stat. Maybe he chose a cutoff point that made the Chargers look good (but that's not really Acee's style).

Fair enough. Just seems like a rather arbitrary number. 32 I could understand, but 42 seems like they're just pulling out a number that paints the picture they are looking for.

 

[treat88]

Refs/flags can't be used as an excuse for wins/losses.However looking back on that game, without the refs lopsided involvement, the score could have easily been 23-0.It's just conjecture on the score thing, but fact is Pitt physically dominated that game

Yeah... easily 23-0. More than likely 40-0 though. 50-0? Well within Ben's reach.

Right....Didn't watch that one did you?Like I say conjecture, but SD was dominated on both sides of the ball.That Foote hit should have been called. 14:1.

 

[jonessed]

Refs/flags can't be used as an excuse for wins/losses.However looking back on that game, without the refs lopsided involvement, the score could have easily been 23-0.It's just conjecture on the score thing, but fact is Pitt physically dominated that game

Yeah... easily 23-0. More than likely 40-0 though. 50-0? Well within Ben's reach.

Right....Didn't watch that one did you?Like I say conjecture, but SD was dominated on both sides of the ball.That Foote hit should have been called. 14:1.

You're right. 62-0 is probably more fair.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Refs/flags can't be used as an excuse for wins/losses.However looking back on that game, without the refs lopsided involvement, the score could have easily been 23-0.It's just conjecture on the score thing, but fact is Pitt physically dominated that game

Yeah... easily 23-0. More than likely 40-0 though. 50-0? Well within Ben's reach.

Right....Didn't watch that one did you?Like I say conjecture, but SD was dominated on both sides of the ball.That Foote hit should have been called. 14:1.

You're right. 62-0 is probably more fair.

Chargers fans seem to be very defensive. Can't wait for Sunday!!!

 

[jonessed]

Refs/flags can't be used as an excuse for wins/losses.However looking back on that game, without the refs lopsided involvement, the score could have easily been 23-0.It's just conjecture on the score thing, but fact is Pitt physically dominated that game

Yeah... easily 23-0. More than likely 40-0 though. 50-0? Well within Ben's reach.

Right....Didn't watch that one did you?Like I say conjecture, but SD was dominated on both sides of the ball.That Foote hit should have been called. 14:1.

You're right. 62-0 is probably more fair.

Chargers fans seem to be very defensive. Can't wait for Sunday!!!

We are more offensive. Defense is so-so, but playing better. The least you guys could do in these recreatons is spot us a field goal.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Refs/flags can't be used as an excuse for wins/losses.However looking back on that game, without the refs lopsided involvement, the score could have easily been 23-0.It's just conjecture on the score thing, but fact is Pitt physically dominated that game

Yeah... easily 23-0. More than likely 40-0 though. 50-0? Well within Ben's reach.

Right....Didn't watch that one did you?Like I say conjecture, but SD was dominated on both sides of the ball.That Foote hit should have been called. 14:1.

You're right. 62-0 is probably more fair.

Chargers fans seem to be very defensive. Can't wait for Sunday!!!

We are more offensive. Defense is so-so, but playing better. The least you guys could do in these recreatons is spot us a field goal.

I've been hearing that your defense is drastically improving...........

 

[CrossEyed]

Good thing this game isn't on Saturday. Calling for 4"-8" of snow with a possibility of a coating of ice on top of that late Saturday.

Sunday looks clear and cold, upper 20's. Should be a great day for football.

 

[jonessed]

Refs/flags can't be used as an excuse for wins/losses.However looking back on that game, without the refs lopsided involvement, the score could have easily been 23-0.It's just conjecture on the score thing, but fact is Pitt physically dominated that game

Yeah... easily 23-0. More than likely 40-0 though. 50-0? Well within Ben's reach.

Right....Didn't watch that one did you?Like I say conjecture, but SD was dominated on both sides of the ball.That Foote hit should have been called. 14:1.

You're right. 62-0 is probably more fair.

Chargers fans seem to be very defensive. Can't wait for Sunday!!!

We are more offensive. Defense is so-so, but playing better. The least you guys could do in these recreatons is spot us a field goal.

I've been hearing that your defense is drastically improving...........

It is, but it won't be the same without Merriman back. With the changes in league rules favoring passing offenses you pretty much have to have a good pass rush to be a good defense. With any luck the Steeler's offensive line will help compensate, but SD isn't a top defense even in their improved form.

 

[Godsbrother]

Good thing this game isn't on Saturday. Calling for 4"-8" of snow with a possibility of a coating of ice on top of that late Saturday.

Sunday looks clear and cold, upper 20's. Should be a great day for football.

I have heard anywhere from 1" to 6", depending on the track of the storm and temp. I am betting we get no more than 3".I do like the forecast for Sunday though: Upper 20s for tailgating and mid 20s by gametime with winds of only 6-7 mph. They are calling for a couple light snow showers now.

 

[Ghost Rider]

My prediction is, this will be like the last Pit/SD game. The final score won't be a true indication of how much the Steelers dominate the game. I do, however, think the Steelers will win and cover.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Sweet article on the chargers playoff game 1 co-MVP Scifers

http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/story?id=0900...mp;confirm=true

 

[Tom Servo]

Good thing this game isn't on Saturday. Calling for 4"-8" of snow with a possibility of a coating of ice on top of that late Saturday.

Sunday looks clear and cold, upper 20's. Should be a great day for football.

I have heard anywhere from 1" to 6", depending on the track of the storm and temp. I am betting we get no more than 3".I do like the forecast for Sunday though: Upper 20s for tailgating and mid 20s by gametime with winds of only 6-7 mph. They are calling for a couple light snow showers now.

Check kdka.com GB. Dennis Bowman is calling for 3"-6" in the Pittsburgh area overnight tonight. Better than the 6"-12" predicted for my area.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Rivers was not playing well during the part of the season when these teams first met. He's the hottest QB in football right now.

While I agree that the Stillers should be favored, I like SD's chances.

 

[Godsbrother]

Rivers was not playing well during the part of the season when these teams first met. He's the hottest QB in football right now.

While I agree that the Stillers should be favored, I like SD's chances.

Rivers passer ratings in the 4 games before they met were: 141.9, 103.8, 104.3 and 96.5. That looks pretty good to me.

 

[CrossEyed]

Good thing this game isn't on Saturday. Calling for 4"-8" of snow with a possibility of a coating of ice on top of that late Saturday.

Sunday looks clear and cold, upper 20's. Should be a great day for football.

I have heard anywhere from 1" to 6", depending on the track of the storm and temp. I am betting we get no more than 3".I do like the forecast for Sunday though: Upper 20s for tailgating and mid 20s by gametime with winds of only 6-7 mph. They are calling for a couple light snow showers now.

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 PM EST SATURDAYUNTIL 11:15PM EST

Urgent - Winter Weather Message National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA 311 PM EST Fri Jan 9 2009

Tuscarawas-Carroll-Coshocton-Harrison-Jefferson OH-Muskingum- Guernsey-Belmont-Noble-Allegheny-Washington-Westmoreland-Hancock- Brooke-Ohio- Including The Cities Of...New Philadelphia...Dover... Uhrichsville...Carrollton...Coshocton...Cadiz...Hopedale... Steubenville...Zanesville...Cambridge...Martins Ferry... St. Clairsville...Bellaire...Barnesville...Shadyside... Bridgeport...Caldwell...Pittsburgh Metro Area...Washington... Canonsburg...Donora...California...Charleroi...Monongahela... Mcmurray...Greensburg...New Kensington...Jeannette...Latrobe... Monessen...Toronto...Weirton...Wheeling

A Winter Storm Warning Remains In Effect From 7 PM This Evening To 7 PM EST Saturday.

A Strong Low Pressure System Will Move Through The Ohio Valley Later Tonight And Saturday. Snow Will Develop This Evening And Be Heavy At Times Into Saturday. The Snow Will Mix With Sleet And Freezing Rain Later Saturday. Snowfall Totals Of 4 To 8 Inches Are Expected With A Coating Of Ice As Well.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I was suprised with how well Willie Parker ran the ball against San Diego on 11/16. Parker went 25 for 115, he hasn't put up numbers like that against a good defense all year. Can he do it again? You can bet the Steelers will try. Sproles will probably hurt the Steelers on a couple of 10-20 yard run/catches but I don't think he'll be a sustaining runner in this game. The Steelers will have a few key pieces that they didn't have on 11/16, Heath Miller and Bryant McFadden. TEs have given the Chargers problems this year I expect Miller will too. McFadden will certainly help with the big WRs SD has. As well as Ike Taylor has played this year, McFadden hasn't been far behind.

With the elements in Pittsburgh I think the smart money is on the Steelers winning but I think it will be another close, low-scoring game. I expect this game to come down to Ben vs. Rivers. I expect the Chargers to put plenty of pressure on Ben, hopefully he can make them pay.

Steelers 16

Chargers 13

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I was suprised with how well Willie Parker ran the ball against San Diego on 11/16. Parker went 25 for 115, he hasn't put up numbers like that against a good defense all year. Can he do it again? You can bet the Steelers will try. Sproles will probably hurt the Steelers on a couple of 10-20 yard run/catches but I don't think he'll be a sustaining runner in this game. The Steelers will have a few key pieces that they didn't have on 11/16, Heath Miller and Bryant McFadden. TEs have given the Chargers problems this year I expect Miller will too. McFadden will certainly help with the big WRs SD has. As well as Ike Taylor has played this year, McFadden hasn't been far behind.With the elements in Pittsburgh I think the smart money is on the Steelers winning but I think it will be another close, low-scoring game. I expect this game to come down to Ben vs. Rivers. I expect the Chargers to put plenty of pressure on Ben, hopefully he can make them pay.Steelers 16Chargers 13

Good points. I think the 3 main keys to victory for Pittsburgh will be :#1 - Is Parker as healthy as he's been all year, and can he hit the lanes like he did in the first meeting? If he averages almost 5 ypc again and they get him the ball 20+ times, the Steelers will be in very good shape.#2 - Can Ben be patient and get the ball to Miller 4-6 times? The Chargers will sag on the back end with Cromartie, Weddle, et al, to prevent the big play to Washington, Holmes, or Ward, like they are wont to do. Miller WILL be open over the middle with some frequency. When Ben gets flushed, will he have the presence to keep his eyes 5-10 yards downfield and find Miller coming over the middle? That'll be there for him all day.#3 - Can the much-maligned Steelers O-line keep Ben upright? Seems like a no-brainer, but some teams this year have sat back in coverage waiting for Ben to make mistakes, rather than bringing the heat. This was the game plan years ago when Roethlisberger burned blitzes by rolling out and throwing downfield. He's a little older now, runs less, is more banged up, and the line doesn't give him enough time. Blitzing has been the bane of the Steelers O this season (see the Eagles game.) Ron Rivera likes to bring the heat, and he will. How that line holds up will be a huge key - if San Diego can get to Ben early, knock him around a bit, and rattle him (he is, after all, just off a concussion) - the Steelers are in trouble. If Ben can avoid the rush and dissect the SD defense (probably by taking the intermediate routes, see #2) then you'll see much more dropping of the LBs into shallow coverage and Ben will gain confidence and time to operate. This would be dangerous for SD. Watch the 1st quarter pass rush when Pittsburgh has the ball - it could dictate the rest of the game.This has been Evilgrin's "Keys To Victory", brought to you by Pontiac.

 

[Sheriff66]

Rivers was not playing well during the part of the season when these teams first met. He's the hottest QB in football right now.

While I agree that the Stillers should be favored, I like SD's chances.

Rivers passer ratings in the 4 games before they met were: 141.9, 103.8, 104.3 and 96.5. That looks pretty good to me.

Please don't let facts get in the way Godsbrother....

 

[crewmember]

I think Big Ben will give the game away.

 

[Evilhomer3k]

I was suprised with how well Willie Parker ran the ball against San Diego on 11/16. Parker went 25 for 115, he hasn't put up numbers like that against a good defense all year. Can he do it again? You can bet the Steelers will try. Sproles will probably hurt the Steelers on a couple of 10-20 yard run/catches but I don't think he'll be a sustaining runner in this game. The Steelers will have a few key pieces that they didn't have on 11/16, Heath Miller and Bryant McFadden. TEs have given the Chargers problems this year I expect Miller will too. McFadden will certainly help with the big WRs SD has. As well as Ike Taylor has played this year, McFadden hasn't been far behind.With the elements in Pittsburgh I think the smart money is on the Steelers winning but I think it will be another close, low-scoring game. I expect this game to come down to Ben vs. Rivers. I expect the Chargers to put plenty of pressure on Ben, hopefully he can make them pay.Steelers 16Chargers 13

If the game comes down to Rivers vs Ben, I'll take Rivers. Rivers has a higher passer rating, more yards, more tds, fewer interceptions, fewer sacks allowed, and is concussion free. All this with roughly the same number of attempts (469 vs 478). Rivers has had an MVP worthy season. Roethlisberger has not even had a pro bowl like season. That said Roethlisberger leads Rivers in one important stat: Wins. I think that has more to do with the defense than it does with Ben, though.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I was suprised with how well Willie Parker ran the ball against San Diego on 11/16. Parker went 25 for 115, he hasn't put up numbers like that against a good defense all year. Can he do it again? You can bet the Steelers will try. Sproles will probably hurt the Steelers on a couple of 10-20 yard run/catches but I don't think he'll be a sustaining runner in this game. The Steelers will have a few key pieces that they didn't have on 11/16, Heath Miller and Bryant McFadden. TEs have given the Chargers problems this year I expect Miller will too. McFadden will certainly help with the big WRs SD has. As well as Ike Taylor has played this year, McFadden hasn't been far behind.With the elements in Pittsburgh I think the smart money is on the Steelers winning but I think it will be another close, low-scoring game. I expect this game to come down to Ben vs. Rivers. I expect the Chargers to put plenty of pressure on Ben, hopefully he can make them pay.Steelers 16Chargers 13

If the game comes down to Rivers vs Ben, I'll take Rivers. Rivers has a higher passer rating, more yards, more tds, fewer interceptions, fewer sacks allowed, and is concussion free. All this with roughly the same number of attempts (469 vs 478). Rivers has had an MVP worthy season. Roethlisberger has not even had a pro bowl like season. That said Roethlisberger leads Rivers in one important stat: Wins. I think that has more to do with the defense than it does with Ben, though.

I don't think it will come down to Rivers vs. Ben. It will come down to how well Rivers can handle the top defense in the NFL.

 

[Riffraff]

I think Big Ben will give the game away.

This is my hope.Big Ben this year has 15 INTs and 7 FUMs (lost, 14 total). That's almost two times a game that Big Ben tries to give the game away.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Rivers was not playing well during the part of the season when these teams first met. He's the hottest QB in football right now.

While I agree that the Stillers should be favored, I like SD's chances.

Rivers passer ratings in the 4 games before they met were: 141.9, 103.8, 104.3 and 96.5. That looks pretty good to me.

Right. 3 of those 4 games were below River's passer rating for the entire season, and in the 4 game stretch including the Steeler game and the 3 prior, Rivers threw more than half of his total INT's for the season. He threw 6 picks in those 4 games, and 5 picks the other 12 games. :whoosh: Philip was that good this season. People aren't recognizing how great of a season this guy had. Over the past 4 years, only Tom Brady's ridiculous 50 TD season beats River's 2008 season.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Rivers was not playing well during the part of the season when these teams first met. He's the hottest QB in football right now.

While I agree that the Stillers should be favored, I like SD's chances.

Rivers passer ratings in the 4 games before they met were: 141.9, 103.8, 104.3 and 96.5. That looks pretty good to me.

Right. 3 of those 4 games were below River's passer rating for the entire season, and in the 4 game stretch including the Steeler game and the 3 prior, Rivers threw more than half of his total INT's for the season. He threw 6 picks in those 4 games, and 5 picks the other 12 games. :whoosh: Philip was that good this season. People aren't recognizing how great of a season this guy had. Over the past 4 years, the only Tom Brady's ridiculous 50 TD season beats River's 2008 season.

Ok but I think that means that he was still playing "very well" before they met.

 

[Godsbrother]

I think Big Ben will give the game away.

This is my hope.Big Ben this year has 15 INTs and 7 FUMs (lost, 14 total). That's almost two times a game that Big Ben tries to give the game away.

In my opinion this game really comes down to how well each team can protect the ball. I think the Steelers could probably survive one or two turnovers because of their defense but if they give it away 3 or 4 times like they did in their 4 losses this season they will lose this game as well.San Diego knows this so I expect a big pass rush. If the Steelers have Ben drop back 5-7 steps looking downfield then he is going to be in trouble. However if they counter with quick 3 step passes and roll Ben out on occassion he could have a big day.I expect this to be a great game.

 

[Sheriff66]

I was suprised with how well Willie Parker ran the ball against San Diego on 11/16. Parker went 25 for 115, he hasn't put up numbers like that against a good defense all year. Can he do it again? You can bet the Steelers will try. Sproles will probably hurt the Steelers on a couple of 10-20 yard run/catches but I don't think he'll be a sustaining runner in this game. The Steelers will have a few key pieces that they didn't have on 11/16, Heath Miller and Bryant McFadden. TEs have given the Chargers problems this year I expect Miller will too. McFadden will certainly help with the big WRs SD has. As well as Ike Taylor has played this year, McFadden hasn't been far behind.With the elements in Pittsburgh I think the smart money is on the Steelers winning but I think it will be another close, low-scoring game. I expect this game to come down to Ben vs. Rivers. I expect the Chargers to put plenty of pressure on Ben, hopefully he can make them pay.Steelers 16Chargers 13

If the game comes down to Rivers vs Ben, I'll take Rivers. Rivers has a higher passer rating, more yards, more tds, fewer interceptions, fewer sacks allowed, and is concussion free. All this with roughly the same number of attempts (469 vs 478). Rivers has had an MVP worthy season. Roethlisberger has not even had a pro bowl like season. That said Roethlisberger leads Rivers in one important stat: Wins. I think that has more to do with the defense than it does with Ben, though.

I don't think it will come down to Rivers vs. Ben. It will come down to how well Rivers can handle the top defense in the NFL.

If Ben protects the ball, the Chargers can't win this game IMO

 

[Sheriff66]

 

[Stillers Jr.]

And if you have ever been to a road game, you know THIS

 

[Sheriff66]

Just scored 2 tickets for the game, face value, friend is sick and doesn't want to go !!!!!

 

[Stillers Jr.]

Just scored 2 tickets for the game, face value, friend is sick and doesn't want to go !!!!!

Do Steeler Nation proud tomorrow...

 

[CrossEyed]

And if you have ever been to a road game, you know THIS

Great video.We had an elders meeting on Thursday and the Steeler game came up. One of our elders, who just moved here about 5 years ago, said that he's lived in a number of different areas of the country that were big football fans, but that this was the only place where Steeler jerseys are prominent in church on Sunday mornings. We'll have around 150-175 people at the service tomorrow morning and we'll probably have 25-30 in game jerseys and another 30-40 in some other variation of black and gold.

 

[Sheriff66]

Just scored 2 tickets for the game, face value, friend is sick and doesn't want to go !!!!!

Do Steeler Nation proud tomorrow...

Will do Stillers...

 

[Tom Servo]

What's the stat? Isn't it every time that they've played Styx' "Renegade" the Steeler D has stopped the drive every time?

 

[Sheriff66]

I don't know about that, but the crowd goes insane when they play it, gets the team gets fired up, staple of Heinz Field.

 

[Tom Servo]

And if you have ever been to a road game, you know THIS

Awesome video. If you grew up here, no explanation is necessary. If you didn't, we don't have enough time to tell ya...

 

[Sheriff66]

And if you have ever been to a road game, you know THIS

Awesome video. If you grew up here, no explanation is necessary. If you didn't, we don't have enough time to tell ya...

 

[tommyGunZ]

 

[Steelers4Life]

Just scored 2 tickets for the game, face value, friend is sick and doesn't want to go !!!!!

Yesterday I landed 4 at face in section 137... going down at noon.A win away from hosting the AFC Championship game baby!MY GOD I'M EXCITED!

 

[DPRugby]

I love that if the Chargers can pull off the upset they'll be hosting the AFC Championship game after being 4-8. I wrote them off a long time ago. Uphill battle tomorrow against the big bad Steeler D (no sarcasm, they scare me).

 

[DanFouts]

I love that if the Chargers can pull off the upset they'll be hosting the AFC Championship game after being 4-8. I wrote them off a long time ago. Uphill battle tomorrow against the big bad Steeler D (no sarcasm, they scare me).

 

[tommyGunZ]

I love that if the Chargers can pull off the upset they'll be hosting the AFC Championship game after being 4-8. I wrote them off a long time ago. Uphill battle tomorrow against the big bad Steeler D (no sarcasm, they scare me).

I have a very good feeling that Philip Rivers makes up for his subpar performance in Pitt earlier this season. And just a hunch, I think we finally see Antonio Cromartie make the game changing play we've been expecting from him all season.~ 20 hours til kickoff. I'm dying here waiting for it.

 

[timschochet]

I certainly hope and trust the Steelers are not looking ahead. This will be a very tough game. I think you have to favor the Steelers, but it won't be a shock whatever happens.

I like this Charger team, and if they somehow win tommorow, you better believe I will be rooting for them BIGTIME against the hated Ravens.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I love that if the Chargers can pull off the upset they'll be hosting the AFC Championship game after being 4-8. I wrote them off a long time ago. Uphill battle tomorrow against the big bad Steeler D (no sarcasm, they scare me).

I have a very good feeling that Philip Rivers makes up for his subpar performance in Pitt earlier this season. And just a hunch, I think we finally see Antonio Cromartie make the game changing play we've been expecting from him all season.~ 20 hours til kickoff. I'm dying here waiting for it.

Amen brother............just hoping for a different outcome than you are.

 

[DPRugby]

I love that if the Chargers can pull off the upset they'll be hosting the AFC Championship game after being 4-8. I wrote them off a long time ago. Uphill battle tomorrow against the big bad Steeler D (no sarcasm, they scare me).

I have a very good feeling that Philip Rivers makes up for his subpar performance in Pitt earlier this season. And just a hunch, I think we finally see Antonio Cromartie make the game changing play we've been expecting from him all season.~ 20 hours til kickoff. I'm dying here waiting for it.

One of our very HOT receptionists who is all of 22 was wearing a tight Tomlinson jersey yesterday at work (SF Bay Area). I was so I almost asked to check her groin tendon!Go Boltz, let's steal this one.

 

[BBombers]

Any word on who the ref is tomorrow? I hope it's not R. Winter and his crew

 

[Godsbrother]

I certainly hope and trust the Steelers are not looking ahead.

I really, really doubt the Steelers are looking past the Chargers. For starters Tomlin is hungry for a playoff win and if the Steelers needed a reminder that the a lower seeded team can be dangerous all they needed to do was watch the Titans/Ravens game.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Game thread posted.