Being from Pittsburgh, I have no doubt the Steelers will demolish the Chargers. Pittsburgh weather on Sunday is expected to be low 20's and snowing. Can San Diego handle that? Chargers were beat 18-10 last time (yes, 18, they had a touchdown stolen from them which was later admited)So what do you all think?
San Diego players can handle the weather just fine. I would actually be more concerned about the health of Roethlisberger. When you have a concussion, it can have lingering effects that kind of pop up out of nowhere. Also, Roethlisberger's style of play is to hold onto the ball until he gets hit rather than throwing it away. If the Chargers can get to him, they can easily knock him out of the game. Remember, too, that this is not the same team that visited Pittsburgh in November. They were in the middle of a 4-out-of-5-loss streak at the time and still had key injuries from earlier in the season. They're now riding a 5-game winning streak and the team is as healthy as it's been all year, with the exception of Tomlinson and Gates. They also have the confidence that they can come through in tough games and play well for four whole quarters. And, they have been basically playing playoff games (win or go home) since the beginning of December. The Chargers are a dangerous team that should not be overlooked. If the Steelers look past the Chargers to the Ravens or Titans, they're likely to get punched in the mouth and knocked out of the tournament next Sunday.
Chargers 35 - Steelers 30 The Chargers HAVE to throw the football in this game. LT is banged up, expect him to get only 5-10 carries. And Darren Sproles isn't big enough to play 4 quarters. Phillip Rivers needs to step it up and throw for around 300-350, maybe even more. Which is possible considering Gates, Manumaleuna, Chambers, Jackson, Floyd, and Naanee ( dont count out Sproles and LT, they are great receiving backs.) Defensively, they need to stop the aerial attack. Roethlisberger needs to be disrupted earlier and often, or he will tear up the secondary.(eg. Titans) The ground hasn't been a factor much early, but Mendenhall is going to be the next big running back by the end of the year. He shows what he can do, running for 115 yds. and a score. Overall, both teams will move the ball effectively leading to an old fashioned shoot out. The winning team will be the team that doesn't settle for field goals.
I live near Pittsburgh myself, I am pulling for the Chargers but I dont think they will win. Pittsburgh 23 SD 13 San Diego is 2-0 all time in the playoffs in Pittsburgh so they can win there. Ill never forget Dennis Gibson knocking down that pass in like 1993 when Stan Humphries was the Charger QB.
I am a Steelers fan second (after the Redskins). The Steelers will win this game no problem. Their defense is too good. Also the Chargers defense is not that great. West coast teams traveling to the East coast this year are something like 1-13. That coupled with the fact that the Chargers are a warm weather team and the weather will be cold I just do not see how the Chargers can win. The only way the Chargers can win is if the Steelers offense totally lays an egg -- something like 3 + turnovers plus a bunch of penalties etc. I just do not see that happening Pittsburgh 23 - 13.
The Chargers fans forget that the game was not as close as the score said. The Steelers had 410 yards of total offense and the Chargers only had 218. Ben was 31 of 41. Steelers controlled the clock with 36 minutes. I believe the Steelers will destroy the Chargers this Sunday regardless of who is playing QB. Pit 31 SD 13.
