Chargers meet Steelers in divisional Playoff

Coming off their thrilling overtime victory in the wild card game against the Colts, the Chargers will head into Pittsburgh for an AFC divisional playoff game. It will be a rematch for the two teams that met at Heinz Field earlier this season when the Steelers were victorious by the slimmest of margins, 11-10. The regular season match up was a hard fought smash-mouth type of game and the playoff should be very similar.

The Steelers are the typical smash-mouth team. They run the ball, put long grueling drives together, and play a very physical attacking defense. Pittsburgh was second in the league in sacks with 51 and topped the NFL in defense overall. They also have this year’s NFL defensive player of the year in James Harrison who had 16 sacks on his own. Needless to say the Chargers will have their hands full with this modern day version of the “Steel Curtain”. In their previous meeting Rivers had one of his worst games of the year throwing for a meager 164 yard with no touchdowns and two interceptions. He was also sacked twice and while Rivers was being shut down in the passing game, Ladainian Tomlinson was fairing no better on the ground with only 57 rushing yards.

A lot has changed for the Chargers since that first showdown with the Steelers, some things good, some things not so good. For one, Tomlinson’s injury status has worsened since that blistery day in Pittsburgh. At the time he was nursing a foot injury, but now it appears he may not play at all due to a torn ligament in his groin area. Even if he does play it probably won’t be much. However, Darren Sproles, Tomlinson’s back up, has emerged as a reliable offensive weapon. Sproles had a monster game against the Colts with over 300 all purpose yards including over 100 rushing. The Chargers will be counting on him to have another good day in Pittsburgh.

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One thing that has changed in the Chargers favor in the interceding months from the last game against Pittsburgh till now has been their overall play. San Diego was a struggling team when they met the Steelers in week eleven, getting modest contributions from their running game and even less help from their defense, although the defense did play well in that game. But now the Chargers are the hottest team left in the postseason, winning five straight and clicking on all cylinders. Sproles has pumped new life into the rushing attack, and the defense has been getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and making big plays when the team needs it most. Last week against the Colts they were able to contain Peyton Manning, the league’s MVP, and held Indianapolis to 17 points.

Although Rivers did not have one of his better days when he went up against the Steelers he has been the most consistent and prolific player on the Chargers this season. He didn’t have an outstanding statistical outing in the wild card game, but he managed the offense well and limited his mistakes. San Diego will need a similar performance this Sunday as Rivers will face a much tougher defense in Pittsburgh than he did versus the Colts.

The keys to success for the Chargers defense will be different from what they were a week ago. The Steelers do not have a potentially explosive offense like the Colts did, but they still have some big weapons. Willie Parker should be atop the list as the Steelers will run the ball all day if given the chance. But the Chargers will also have to keep their eyes on Hines Ward, one of the best receivers in the game, and Ben Rothlisberger. One thing about Big Ben, besides his talent, is his ability to make big plays. The Chargers will have to get pressure on him often to prevent from getting burned, especially when the game is on the line.

The Chargers will be the underdog again and it’s something they’re used to and seem to thrive on. There is less pressure on them to win being an 8-8 team that nobody thought would beat the Colts. But make no mistake San Diego wants to win this one just as much as the Steelers do. Whoever does win gets to move on to the AFC Championship game and be one win away from the Super Bowl.

By Steven Mondelli
ProFootball-fans.com San Diego Chargers Correspondent