The Steel Curtain

            The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the San Diego Chargers 35-24, Sunday evening, and are now just one win away from Super Bowl XLIII.  The Steelers will face the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game next Sunday January 18^th at Heinz Field, with the winner heading to Tampa to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.

            The defense of the Steelers did a tremendous job of shutting down the explosive offense of the San Diego Chargers.  Darren Sproles, who had over 300 all-purpose yards last week against the Colts, was ineffective against the powerful Pittsburgh defense as he rushed for just 15 yards on 11 carries.  Phillip Rivers was sacked four times and was forced to throw an interception.

            While the Steelers’ defense played great as usual, it was the offense of the Steelers that was the story of this game.  Ben Roethlisberger looked as strong as ever and did not show any effects of his concussion.  Roethlisberger threw deep down field numerous times and made plenty of clutch throws, while only being sacked once, a spectacular effort by the offensive line. Roethlisberger went 17-26 for 181 yards, with a touchdown pass to Heath Miller.

             The Steelers running game appears to finally be working effectively.  Willie Parker ran excellent Sunday as he rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns, while Mewelde Moore and Gary Russell were used to change pace, and kept San Diego’s defense guessing. 

By Michael C. Smith

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