We already know this is going to be a knock-down, drag-out fight between two of the most physical teams in the NFL.
They battled Nov. 16 and the defenses were so stingy that Tomlinson scored the only touchdown and the Chargers still lost. The score ended up a paltry 11-10, the first time that score had ever been recorded in the NFL.
According to weather.com, the temperature in Pittsburgh will vary from a low of 20 degrees to a high of 23, with a 30 percent chance of snow. The last game was a chilly, snowy night, and this one looks to be no different.
This part of the season, teams need to have a steady running game to stay competitive, but after RB Darren Sproles took a beating against the Colts over the weekend, it looks like the Bolts' running game will be in the hands of ex-Viking, Chief, and Buccaneer Michael Bennett. There is a possibility Sproles will be able to play extensively, but nowhere near his thirty-plus touches of the last game.
LT isn't even in the equation for the Chargers, because if they plan on getting past the Steelers, they'll need to rest him up in order to heal whatever is wrong—his groin, whether it's a tear or pull.
The Steelers have a bevy of healthy, well-rested runningbacks ready to play, but have a busted quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger. He is expected to play despite suffering a concussion in the final game of the season against the Browns. The two offenses are completely opposite, though both teams have strong defenses that never give up.
The way I see it, the matchup of the day goes as follows:
Philip Rivers vs. Troy Polamalu
Rivers. Pro Bowl snub.
Threw for a franchise record 34 touchdowns, leading the NFL in touchdown's and quarterback rating, 105.5. In the Chargers last game in Pittsburgh, Rivers threw for two interceptions, but that was before the team got hot and won five in a row.
Rivers most likely won't have a running game to keep the offense honest, so he'll have to sling it more than usual. But there is the possibility Sproles will be available for screens—though highly ineffective against the quick Steeler defense.
In order for Rivers to be efficient, the offensive line has to deal with the likes of LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison, a two-time Pro Bowler. These two linebackers combined for 27.5 sacks this season, and don't miss tackles often.
With the Steelers defense applying pressure, their maverick can fly all over the field making plays, whether it's the run or the pass: Troy Polamalu, No. 43, the one with the hair.
Polamalu ended the regular season with seven interceptions, a career best and has been voted to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance. He is often the eighth man in the box, pulling back into coverage during pass plays and generally disrupting any offense that takes the field.
He is the key cog in the defense when it comes to stopping Philip Rivers on Sunday, as he can be deceiving when positioning himself before a play starts. The Steelers' defensive scheme uses Polamalu a lot in blitzes and stunts, made simply to confound quarterbacks and give the linebackers time to get to said QB.
If Rivers can connect with one of his tallest receivers (either Vincent Jackson or Legedu Naanee) consistenly underneath Polamalu's coverage, he may have a chance to hit a wide open Chris Chambers on the sideline or TE Antonio Gates down the seam (who will most likely never get open against this defense).
I really don't see there being a running game for the Chargers, so I have to give Polamalu the upper hand going into Sunday's game. I really don't believe an ailing Big Ben or even backup Byron Leftwich will hurt the Steelers' offensive chances, so I say-with a heavy heart—that I see the Steelers winning 23-20, with Rivers bringing the Bolts back in the fourth quarter, but not quite enough.
Opinions?
12 comments Last one added 5 months ago — Leave a Comment
Mark Pruitt 6 months ago
SD has two clear advantages in this game, their QB is playing better, and their punter is unbelievable.
The SD defense is good, but Pittsburgh's is better. I can't see either team doing well running the ball. Should come down to field position, and possibly a defensive score.
James Harrison and/or Lamar Woodley should be draped over Rivers all afternoon, but I think SD's defense will get to Ben as well. That said, Ben has the "it" factor we always talk about. If he doesn't fumble or throw interceptions, Pittsburgh should win what will likely be a defensive struggle all four quarters.
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Mike Meadows 6 months ago
The Chargers just beat the BEST team in the playoffs and held the BEST offense in check holding the Colts to 17 pts 7 of them came on a cheap manning to wayne td pass. The steelers offensivly are NOTHING compared to the colts. When you beat the best that in turn makes u the best anyone who thinks the steelers will score more than Manning or the colts is just crazy and stupid
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Charlie Cox 6 months ago
The Colts are not the best offense or best team in the playoffs. They won their nine in a row against nobodies, excluding the Pittsburgh game where Ben pissed his pants. Reggie Wayne made a fantastic catch off a batted ball and that was the story of the game.
The Chargers are good, perhaps the sleepers during the regular season who have just woken up, but so has Willie Parker. Once Willie turns the corner, SD doesn't have the speed to catch him
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Ian Philip 6 months ago
Indy wasn't the best team.
But Charlie is cracking me up. "Once Willie turns the corner, SD doesn't have the speed to catch him." I guess you could also say "Once Darren turns the corner, SD doesn't have the speed to catch him."
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todd stier 6 months ago
The San Diego Chargers and the Baltimore Ravens are by far the most dangerous teams in the AFC playoffs right now. I think the Chargers have more than just a "good" chance of winning this game, regardless of the kickoff temperatures, or the fact that its a road game. They just ejected the hottest and most explosive team 23-16 in OT, leaving the league MVP beside himself once again, and proving the regular season win-loss record means nothing in the post season.
And the scheduling is all in San Diego's favor the way I see things playing out. The Baltimore Ravens will do these Chargers the GREATEST of favors when they beat the Tennessee Titans, I said it, Baltimore will defeat the Titans! And that leaves the Chargers with the AFC Championship game in San Diego. And while I think these Ravens will absolutely give the Chargers fits when their defense is on the feild, I believe that in the end, the San Diego Chargers will prevail at home due mainly to the fact that the Baltimore Ravens had just too many frequent flyer miles to travel to have their dream become a reality. If Baltimore could have gotten even one game at home during these playoffs, I think they would be representing the AFC in the Super Bowl.
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GFJones 6 months ago
What a false sence of confidence a weak schedual can give a team and it's fans. There will be no glass slipper to fill at the end of this game Sunday. Pittsburgh will dominate on both sides of the ball. They are rested and well coached. This is the playoffs. The road to the Super Bowl will come through Pittsburgh with one of the great defensive battles playing out between the Ravens and Steelers. All else is wishful thinking. In their earlier meeting in week 11 it was Pittsburgh game to lose. San Diego was less of a factor than were Pittsburgh's mistakes.
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Ian Philip 6 months ago
LOL! Pittsburgh will dominate both sides of the ball??? Yea right. Big Ben is likely to be sacked 6 times and will be lucky if they score two TDs.
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Ed Lee 6 months ago
Dominate both sides my ass. only thing they dominate is defense. The chargers offensegive will keep polamalu, woodley, harrison, farrior, and others hands full. You cant say that the chargers arent well coached. have you seen norv turner's calling and coaching these days? i cant believe im complimenting norv, but he turned a dead team, and showed them life!!! And SD will be well rested. Also, ben will have some issues avoiding our pass rush. Watch this game to turn out to be a shootout.
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nick trujillo 6 months ago
did you know the steelers opponents combined to win only 1 more game than the chargers opponents? so how exactly is our schedule that much weaker than yours? I'm sure you like the rest of the nation just looks at our division and assumes we played a weak schedule... but our non divisional games were against tough opponents - and our average margin of defeat was the smallest in the league. Show me one bad loss on our record...
Its going to be a tough game. Your defense is awesome, but ours is much improved since the first meeting. I think Sproles is a good match up for us, perhaps better than tomlinson would have been. I am most concerned with how the wind will affect Rivers' game.
Chargers are playing with house money with nothing to lose... I wouldn't assume a match with the Ravens is given. Our boys are coming to Pittsburgh to play - believe that.
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isaac martinez 6 months ago
The Chargers are ultimately better in two out of three phases of the game. They are better offensively and they are better on special teams. The Steelers are outstanding on defense and very disciplined. It's going to come down to which teams makes the least amount of mistakes.
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Carlos Gomez 6 months ago
Well this has ellicited some fun responses. The Chargers certainly did not beat the best team in the playoffs, the Colts weren't the best at anything (I like them, but I won't go that far). The one thing that should make the Chargers D worry is whether they can actually stop a team that runs better than the Colts, who were second to last in rushing yards. And the Steelers are a very inconsistent offense, but at any time can rip a team apart through the air, especially at home. I don't count either of these great teams out, on any side of the ball.
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javier deanda 5 months ago
THERES A GREAT ARTICLE ON THE STEELERS SITE "XL111 CARDS SHOCK STEELERS"
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