Jan 04 2009
Steelers Set to Host Chargers in AFC Divisional Playoffs
The Pittsburgh Steelers now know who they will be facing in the Divisional Round of the 2008 NFL Playoffs; it will be the San Diego Chargers. This game will take place on January 11th at 4:45 PM in Pittsburgh. The winner will advance to the AFC Championship game with the opportunity to head to Super Bowl XLIII, in Tampa Bay Florida.
The Steelers and Chargers first met back in Week 11 of the season, in which the Steelers won, in nail biting fashion, 11-10 at Heinz Field. The Steelers’ defense forced quarterback, Phillip Rivers, to throw two interceptions, while holding LaDainian Tomlinson to just 57 yards rushing. The offense of the Steelers did their part with Ben Roethlisberger throwing for over 300 yards, and Willie Parker rushing for over 100 yards of his own.
That was then, this is now. Ben Roethlisberger will be coming off of a mild concussion that he suffered in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns. How effective Roethlisberger will be at quarterback, will be unknown until he takes the first snap of the game. If the Steelers hope to advance to the AFC Championship game they must protect Roethlisberger, while containing San Diego’s explosive offense.
That starts with stopping the running game of the Chargers. In the Wildcard round against the Colts backup halfback, Darren Sproles came in for an injured Tomlinson, and ended getting 328 all-purpose yards. The Steelers cannot allow that kind of success and must find a way to slow down the running attack of Tomlinson and Sproles, or they can kiss their dreams of winning a sixth Lombardi Trophy goodbye.
By Michael Smith
Oh I couldn’t agree more The D has to contain Sproles which I think they can do. Ben has to be better with the football we do those and we will move on love reading your blog keep it up
Marc
Hope your Ben’s head will be all better. If they ever go up against the Eagles they are gonna need more than big Ben to win it!