Yes, it’s that time again to throw out the prediction for Sunday’s AFC Divisional showdown between the Chargers and Steelers. While I don’t think it’s going to be easy (is it ever?) I think the Steelers are going to win and move on to a rematch with the Titans for the AFC Title next Sunday at LP Field. Here are some reasons why and some keys to victory over San Diego.
Health: Let’s face it, the Steelers are as close to 100 percent as we’ve seen them in a long time, while the Chargers are simply not, and that’s a key point to the Steelers winning this game. The last time they played, the Steelers didn’t have TE Heath Miller, and DB’s Byrant McFadden and DeShea Townsend. Now they have all three, while the Chargers enter with two big defensive stars in LaDainian Tomlinson doubtful and Antonio Gates banged up. Pretty easy to give the Steelers a big edge here. With that, I am still nervous about the concussion surrounding Big Ben.
Weather and Home Field: I include these together, as the field in Pittsburgh and the crowd on their side is going to play a big part for the Steelers. Pittsburgh feeds off a good home crowd, and I’d much rather see this game at home. I think Philip Rivers is going to have a hard time with the crowd noise, and the weather, calling for snow and cold, should hurt a fast guy that likes to cut like Darren Sproles. The Steelers need to take advantage of that crowd and get a lead early to give them something to cheer about.
Turnovers: This is a huge key, as the Steelers have struggled all season when Ben has thrown picks and put the ball on the ground. With that said, it will be up to him to not make mistakes, and get rid of the ball when there is nothing there. The Chargers have 12 sacks in their last three games vs the Steelers, and Ben has to be careful. On the other hand, Rivers threw two picks in their last meeting, and it would be nice to see at least that again.
Play Good Special Teams: I have said all year long I have been worried about the punting game, and this is a case where it may hurt the Steelers big time. The Chargers have a solid punting game, and with Sproles back there looking for a big return, the Steelers have to play their gaps and make sure they don’t allow anything big, which has hurt them in playoff losses in the past. It would be nice for the home team to break one of their own with Santonio Holmes getting some yards on a return.
Get the Running Game Going Early: Willie Parker is as close to 100 pecent as he’s been all year, and he had a big game against San Diego the last time. The Chargers run defense can be run on, and Parker, Mewelde Moore and Gary Russell should all get carries and be able to pound out yards. A good run game also will open up the play action for Miller and Matt Spaeth, who had a career high 6 catches the last time they played.
No Big Plays: San Diego loves to get the big plays going, either on offense or special teams, and the Steelers have to watch that. They did a good job last time, and Vincent Jackson, who averages 18 yards per catch, was a non-factor in the first game. I think now that Sproles has had his big game and the Steelers have more than enough tape on him, they will make sure he does not beat them.
With that, as I said I like the Steelers to take care of business. I don’t think the Chargers will have lady luck like last year in the Divisional round in Indy, and while they are 2-0 vs the Steelers in the playoffs, this is a different year and a different type of team with the defense the Steelers have. Look for the Steelers to walk out winners and get set for the AFC Title game next weekend in Teneeseee. Steelers 21 San Diego 10
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Jay
January 10, 2009 at 7:56 pm
I’ll say it because I don’t give a shit what others think of me. (in reference to the AFC Divisional game btw Tenn and Balt)…And please don’t waste my time with remarks like, “You need help, Jay” or, “You’ve got issues, Jay!”….I know this and won’t even bother refuting it. I cheered every single time a Ravens or a Titan got hurt and will continue to do so. First of all, the Ravens didn’t win that game, the Titans lost it, period! I hope Suggs’s shoulder is done and hopefully his career is too….I was glad when McCain went down and get an intrinsic degree of satisfaction from watching players get hurt! When I played, I tried to hurt people just like Hines Ward and I am glad he plays that way! Ya see, typically and in most years I root for the Steelers to have to go through the toughest, most difficult road and ergo I do not root for players to get hurt. I rooted to face off against Indy and New England in 2005 (only got lucky with Indy)…I like to see the Steelers have to play the toughest, healthiest people so that assholes can’t say nothing like, “You did it with so, and so hurt or penalties or the number one seed got knocked off and you got to play against a 6 or 7…” Whatever…That is when I know we’re capable. This year, I root for players to get hurt because we have a handicap…Our abysmal offensive line and offensive coordinator. It’s like, when you’re good, great even, you get to park at the far end of the mall parking lot and strut your shit all the way to the store because you can, because you’re the best…This year, with schmucks like Starks, kemoyachoo, Hartwig, Stapleton and Colon….we get to park in the bluish handicap spots….Add Arians and we might be piling out of a large van with a bunch of retards! I love the Steelers and, because I’m a stubborn prick asshole, whether the Steelers win it all or lose tomorrow, I will NEVER forgive this organization for putting THAT coordinator and THAT offensive line around Ben! I’m angry, yes because I’ve been rendered salty, in an unaccountable sort of way, to root for players to get hurt so that we have a chance…Oooh, I think the Tennessee hot dog vendor just fell down the steps! Yeah, baby!
squeelerstolose
January 11, 2009 at 9:01 am
Hey Jay-
all I can say is……GO CHARGERS!!!!!!!!!!! Ring WORTHLESSBURGER’S BELL ONE LAST TIME…OH, AND BREAK HYMEN WARD’S LEGS….
CHARGERS TO SHUT DOWN YOUR RUNNING GAME FO’ SHO”
AND WORTHLESSBURGER WILL CONTINUE THROWING INTERCEPTIONS AND LEFTWICH?…HE’S GOIN’ NO WHERE.
CHARGERS RULE!
mark
January 11, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Well guys. We are about 2 hours from kickoff and I am officially nervous. Home teams are not doing too well this playoff season, are they? Chargers seem to play well in Pittsburgh in January and Terry Bradshaw just picked the Bolts to beat the Steelers!! Bradshaw of all people. C’mon Terry what are you doing??? Got to keep the Steeler faithful up beat! Did he once again have a falling out with the city?? Joke! Only the Steelers can make this game tough. If they play their A game they win. Period.One last thing, the Ravens did NOT beat the Titans, the Titans beat the Titans! ton of total yards, penalties against the Ravens and only 1 turnover actually hurt them and they ended up getting the ball right back and kicking a field goal to tie it up. Terribly managed game by the offensive coordinator. They should have tried to stretch the field a bit more but played afraid of Ed Reed’s talents and instead accumulated yards and not points. Should the Steelers win tonight, Flacco and his Ravens will NOT get away with playing so conservatively and be able to winin Pittsburgh.
Jay
January 13, 2009 at 3:50 pm
I would like to sincerely apologize for outlandish remarks made by myself in my (directly above) post. I sometimes get caught up in the emotion. GO STEELERS!