In last weekend’s Wild Card games, Arizona, San Diego, Baltimore, and Philadelphia all advanced proving to the nation that they have what it takes to be successful in this league.
This weekend’s slate of games are sure to be exciting but the most intriguing match up, in my opinion, is between the San Diego Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pittsburgh enters the playoffs as the second seed after finishing with a 12-4 record and Champions of the AFC North. San Diego on the other hand, faced a must win game two weeks ago against the Denver Broncos in order to get into the playoffs as the NFC West Champions. The Chargers had no problems defeating the Broncos and winning the division over Denver due to the fact that San Diego had a better conference record.
The Chargers entered the playoffs as the fourth seed after winning their respective division at a five hundred record of 8-8. This would set up another memorable match up between the fifth seed Indianapolis Colts and the fourth seed San Diego Chargers.
The Chargers would once again prove to be too much for the Colts as the Chargers won in overtime off a Darren Sproles 22-yard touchdown run making the final score 23-17. Sproles proved to be the difference maker after rushing for 105 yards and two touchdowns.
San Diego is one of the hottest teams playing as of now winning five straight games including their playoff victory. The Chargers will definitely be ready to go against the Steelers this weekend with the key match up being the Charger offense against the Steeler defense. The Chargers offense this season has scored an average of 27.4 points per game which ranks second in the league and eleventh in total yardage per game at 349.
On the other side of the ball, the Steelers defense ranks as the best in the league. Pittsburgh ranks first in points allowed per game at 13.9, yards per game at 237.2, and passing yards per game at 156.9. They also rank second in the league in rushing yards allowed per game at 80.2. If San Diego is going to win, they must be able to move the ball effectively through the air and keep their turnovers to a minimum.
The Chargers can not afford to turn the ball over since they are playing in the cold weather of Pittsburgh and points might be hard to come by.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who has thrown for 3,301 yards at a completion percentage of 59.9 with 17 touchdowns thrown and 15 interceptions. Roethlisberger should be ready to go in this weekend’s game after suffering a concussion two weeks ago in their season finale against the Cleveland Browns. For some unknown reason, Roethlisberger was still playing quarterback halfway through the game.
5 comments Last one added 6 months ago — Leave a Comment
Mike Meadows 6 months ago
Go Bolts
Edit Comment Cancel
James Eitzen 6 months ago
Bring on the Steelers.
Edit Comment Cancel
todd stier 6 months ago
Pittsburgh is much too overconfident, in calling this game a mismatch, and I believe they will be in for a BIG surprise come Sunday.
Edit Comment Cancel
Gucci 6 months ago
No one gives the Chargers any respect, but they will prove them selves this weekend, as they did against the Colts a team that was a Super Bowl pick while entering the playoffs.
Edit Comment Cancel
just real 6 months ago
Chargers had a great time running last week. Though, the colts defense were like 25th in rushing yards allowed on the season. Steelers defense is just way better than that. I think its a no brainer.
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.