Rested Steelers take on red-hot Chargers - Sports handicapping Forum

BadCo · 10-10-2005, 05:39 PM

Rested Steelers take on red-hot ChargersBy Scouts, Inc.

Why To Watch
Despite flying cross-country, the Steelers should be fresh, healthy and ornery after 15 idle days following their crushing home loss to the Patriots. Thanks also to the bye week, Pittsburgh will gain more offensive re-enforcements. RB Jerome Bettis will see his first action of the season, and RB Duce Staley will be even healthier for his second game back from injury. However, after rushing for 327 yards in three games, expect former undrafted free agent Willie Parker to continue to carry the heaviest load against a Chargers' run defense that is surrendering just 91.5 yards per game.
On the flip side, the Chargers will look to keep the ball rolling following a momentous road victory at New England. RB LaDainian Tomlinson will try his luck against a similarly stout Steelers' run defense, which is surrendering only 96.7 yards per contest. With so much beef up front for both of these defenses, this game likely will be decided by the quarterback -- Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers) or Drew Brees (Chargers) -- who makes the most plays and fewest mistakes.

When the Steelers have the ball
Rushing: This is the ultimate matchup of strength vs. strength. The Steelers have become more inclined to open things up in Roethlisberger's second season, but their offense still is very much a run-first unit. After three games the Steelers have run the ball 36 more times than they have thrown. It will be interesting, however, to see how patient offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt is able to remain even if the running attack fails to get untracked early on in San Diego.

ParkerParker will remain the starter and likely will handle the majority of the carries for the Steelers. Staley saw limited action against the Patriots after being inactive in the team's first two games, but he should see his role increased after two weeks of practice. Bettis also is expected to make his debut Monday night, which means the Steelers will have great depth and versatility at the running back position for the first time all season.
Look for the Steelers to use a lot of three-receiver sets with either two backs or one back and a tight end. The goal will be to spread the Chargers out and to force as many six- and seven-man fronts as possible. The Chargers' front three of NT Jamal Williams and DEs Igor Olshansky and Jacques Cesaire are doing a disciplined job of clogging gaps and taking up space in order to protect ILBs Donnie Edwards and Randal Godfrey. However, the interior of the Steelers' offensive line -- OC Jeff Hartings and OGs Alan Faneca and Kendall Simmons -- is one of the biggest and strongest run-blocking units the Chargers will face all season. If the Steelers can handle the Chargers' front line without being forced to double-team, they will find more success on the ground than most.

Passing: Despite its two-game winning streak, San Diego has some flaws in its pass defense. For starters, the team has not established a consistent pass rush. It has 10 sacks in four games, but four of those came in the opener versus immobile Dallas QB Drew Bledsoe.

RoethlisbergerWhen the Chargers need to get extra pressure, they are forced to blitz too many linebackers. As a result, opposing quarterbacks typically have options with their underneath receivers -- most often tight ends and running backs. Roethlisberger is improving in this area, and he should have the weapons as "hot reads" to beat the blitz. TEs Heath Miller and Jerame Tuman are athletic, reliable pass catchers who must find soft spots underneath when linebackers vacate zones on the blitz. Bettis has never been much of a receiving threat, but Parker and Staley can more than fill that void.
If they can protect Roethlisberger, the Steelers actually match up better in this facet of the game than they do on the ground. WRs Cedrick Wilson and Antwaan Randle-El have done an outstanding job of picking up the slack for the departed Plaxico Burress. Roethlisberger also should find a mismatch with No. 1 WR Hines Ward working against talented but inconsistent DC Quentin Jammer.

If the Steelers can establish any sort of consistent running attack early on in this game, Jammer and SS Terrence Keil will become more susceptible due to their tendency to take false steps forward when peeking into the backfield. Watch for that over-aggressiveness, as it should eventually open up some vertical opportunities for Roethlisberger to exploit with Ward on the perimeter and Miller down the seam.

When the Chargers have the ball
Rushing: The Chargers' offensive attack is so balanced that it is extremely difficult to defend. If a defense tries to "pinch" things inside to clog the middle, the Chargers will look to get Tomlinson the ball on the perimeter -- either as a runner or receiver. If the opponent tries to play good outside contain and funnel everything to the middle, Tomlinson can slice apart the interior behind his massive offensive line.

TomlinsonAnd finally, if the opposing defense loads up against the run with eight defenders in the box, Brees has proven capable of making the right pre-snap read and has the pass-catching weapons TE Antonio Gates and WR Keenan McCardell to exploit the overload. What makes this matchup so intriguing is that the Steelers should not need to cheat in order to keep Tomlinson in check on the ground.
The Steelers' run defense ranks sixth in the AFC and is getting the job done in large part because of the play of its front three. NT Casey Hampton is a massive wide-body who has returned healthy and is consistently requiring double-team attention on running downs. DEs Aaron Smith and Kimo von Oelhoffen also continue to play their two-gap technique with great discipline, which is allowing ILBs James Farrior and Larry Foote the room necessary to roam from sideline to sideline in run support.

SS Troy Polamalu also has played a big role in the effectiveness of the Steelers' run defense, as he has the instincts, speed and tackling skills to quickly fill from the high spot in order to seal off any cutback running lanes. If the Steelers can keep Polamalu bottled up without being forced to consistently overload the box with cheating safeties, it will give them a huge advantage in this game.

Passing: Brees' efficiency has played a critical role in the Chargers' two-game winning streak. Last week, for example, Brees missed on only five of his 24 passing attempts and did not throw an interception. The Chargers remain very much a balanced team that likes to set up the pass with the run. However, this may be a game where the Chargers look to spread things out more and use the passing attack as a means to loosening up the Steelers' run defense.

BreesRegardless, Brees is doing an outstanding job of spreading the wealth in the air. Gates is clearly his favorite and most dynamic target with 18 receptions for 280 yards and one touchdown in just three games played. McCardell remains the go-to-guy on the perimeter, with 18 catches for 268 yards and five touchdowns. But Brees also is getting more help from WR Eric Parker, who has 14 receptions for 168 yards. Add Tomlinson to the mix as a receiver out of the backfield and it becomes very difficult to predict where the production in the passing game is going to come from.
The Steelers could be susceptible against the pass, because they need to blitz a linebacker or two in order to get consistent pass rush pressure. OLBs Clark Haggans and Joey Porter (still less than 100 percent because of injury) are both better at getting upfield as pass rushers than they are turning and running in coverage. The Steelers also are forced to play a lot of cover 2 and cover 3 looks in their secondary, because DCs Ike Taylor and Deshea Townsend are not trustworthy if left on an island too frequently. As such, the middle of the field could be a great production area for Brees to work the ball to Gates, as well as the underneath flats to Tomlinson.

BadCo · 10-10-2005, 05:41 PM

Monday, October 10, 2005
Take 2: Steelers vs. ChargersBy Scouts, Inc.

Tuesday, our scouts filed their advance advance scouting report on this week's matchup between the Steelers and Chargers. Now they're back with a second look.

• The Steelers are closer to 100 percent at the running back position than they've been in more than a year. Willie Parker will remain the starter and will handle the majority of the carries, but his load will be reduced in order to keep him fresh later in the game.
Jerome Bettis has completed five successful practices leading up to Monday night's game and will be available after missing the first three games due to a calf injury. Look for Bettis to handle some of the short-yardage and goal line carries. Duce Staley also is completely healthy and will get involved more as a third-down back.

The Steelers will need help from all three backs as they look to establish a ground attack vs. the league's seventh-ranked run defense. For the second-consecutive season, the Chargers are doing an outstanding job of defending the run within their 3-4 scheme. NT Jamal Williams is disruptive in the middle and forces a lot of double-team attention. Jacques Cesaire continues to play with good discipline and consistency, but Igor Olshansky is a budding star. Olshansky has the size, quickness and power to give the right side of the Steelers' offensive line (OT Max Starks and OG Kendall Simmons) some trouble.

Because Williams and Olshansky require so much attention, it becomes nearly impossible to get two clean bodies out on ILBs Donnie Edwards and Randal Godfrey. Edwards is capable of flowing from sideline to sideline when he doesn't have to deal with traffic, and Godfrey has the size, aggressiveness and instincts to shut down any gaps that open up between the tackles.

• The Patriots got down early to the Chargers last week and were forced to abort their running attack for the most part. However, they did have some success with Corey Dillon early on, and there are some blueprints for the Steelers' offense to take out of that game. The Patriots used a lot of one-back, two-receiver, two-tight end sets and used some unique blocking schemes to prevent mismatches for their center.

By allowing their center to release, the Patriots were able to get an extra blocker on the second-level to seal off one of the Chargers' inside linebackers. They would motion one of their tight ends in order to give him an angle as he attempted a down-block on NT Jamal Williams. Williams did not expect that and was caught off-guard as he tried to quickly pursue upfield.

If the Steelers are going to establish a solid running attack in Monday night's game, they must also be creative in order to avoid mismatches between OC Jeff Hartings and Williams. If forced to double-team Williams on all running plays, ILBs Edwards and Godfrey will have the room they need to roam in order to keep Parker, Bettis and Staley under wraps.

• The Chargers are experiencing a lot of success on offense when spreading things out with multiple-receiver looks. Instead of using four receivers, the Chargers are using three receivers and "flexing" TE Antonio Gates out into the slot. Because Gates and RB LaDainian Tomlinson are such weapons in the passing game, this formation puts a lot of pressure on the opposing defense. When the Chargers come out in those similar looks on Monday night, Steelers' defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will have to decide how to counter with personnel. If the Steelers get caught in "dime" personnel (six defensive backs), QB Drew Brees can simply call for a run at the line of scrimmage and trust that his offensive line can overpower the smaller defensive unit. Conversely, if LeBeau takes too many chances with "base" personnel, Brees should have some mismatches to exploit in the passing game.

• The Steelers best bet will be to test out the one-on-one matchup of Gates vs. SS Troy Polamalu. Polamalu gives up five inches and 45 pounds in the matchup, but he is tough and fast enough to keep with Gates in certain situations. If Polamalu proves capable of holding up in man-coverage, it would allow the Steelers to play a lot of eight-man fronts with Polamalu cheated up near the line and FS Chris Hope playing a centerfielder's role as the "free" defender in "man-free" coverage.

Special Teams
There is not much that separates these two teams in regards to their respective special teams' units, particularly in the kicking game. Pittsburgh PK Jeff Reed has connected on six of his first seven field goal attempts this season, with his only failed attempt coming from beyond 50 yards, and PT Chris Gardocki is averaging an above-average 44.7 yards per attempt. Similarly, San Diego PK Nate Kaeding is off to a strong start, having hit on all five of his field goal attempts, and PT Mike Scrifes is averaging 44.2 yards per attempt.

The Steelers have turned over most of the KOR duties to Ike Taylor and Ricardo Colclough, who are averaging a combined 23.3 yards per return. Antwaan Randle El continues to handle the punt return duties for the Steelers, and he is always a threat to take one the distance, but he's averaging just 5 yards on six attempts so far this season.

The Steelers have the potential to be explosive in the return game, but the Chargers have been more productive in that facet so far this season, thanks largely in part to the boost that rookie Darren Sproles has given this unit. Sproles is handling the majority of the team's returns and is averaging 28.7 yards per KOR and 7.4 yards per PR.

Matchups
• Pittsburgh WR Hines Ward vs. San Diego DC Quentin Jammer
• Pittsburgh OC Jeff Hartings vs. San Diego NT Jamal Williams
• San Diego TE Antonio Gates vs. Pittsburgh SS Troy Polamalu
• San Diego RB LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Pittsburgh ILBs James Farrior and Larry Foote
• San Diego OC Nick Hardwick vs. Pittsburgh NT Casey Hampton

Scouts' Edge
Monday Night Football features two similar teams in the Chargers and Steelers. Neither possesses explosive perimeter play at the wide receiver or cornerback positions. However, few teams in the NFL are able to run the football, and defend the run, as well as the these teams do. In essence, this will be a matchup of strength vs. strength in what promises to be a physical, close-to-the-vest, low-scoring affair.

While predicting outcomes is never as easy, simple deduction would point to a Chargers' victory on Monday night. After all, the Steelers lost at home to the same Patriots' team the Chargers dismantled in Foxborough, Mass., last week. The Steelers will have a chip on their shoulder after two weeks to stew over their loss to New England, and it may result in Pittsburgh drawing first blood.

However, as the game progresses the Chargers' greater offensive versatility will surface. Tomlinson might not put up huge numbers as a ball carrier, but he will supplement that production as a receiver out of the backfield. When the Steelers become over-aggressive with their safeties in run support, Brees will strike to Gates for a back-breaking blow.

Prediction: Chargers 24, Steelers 20

BadCo · 10-10-2005, 05:42 PM

2. Pittsburgh Steelers at San Diego Chargers – Monday, 9 p.m. ET (ABC) Preview

Steelers
2nd, AFC North
Record: 2-1 at Chargers
T-2nd, AFC West
Record: 2-2

People who know football really weren't worried about the Chargers after their slow start. In both of their losses, they had leads in the fourth quarter and could've won. People might not be in a hurry to place San Diego among the NFL's elite, but when a team goes into New England and stops the Patriots' 21-game home winning streak, that is one serious football team. People in the know around the league understand that the Chargers' playoff run last year was not a fluke.
Prediction: San Diego. The difference in this game will be Drew Brees, who is getting the ball to both Antonio Gates and Keenan McCardell. People forget that McCardell missed half the season last year while holding out in Tampa Bay, so we're starting to see McCardell's full ability as a receiver in San Diego. Combining him with Gates makes for a dangerous combination because defenses are so concerned about stopping the run.

The last three weeks, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has gotten the green light to give the ball to LaDainian Tomlinson, who is the best player in the NFL. When you have receivers and a back who's the best in the league, you'll have a lot of one-on-one coverage. Pittsburgh will not win that battle.

10-10-2005, 05:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
BadCo Degenerate Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 371	Rested Steelers take on red-hot Chargers Rested Steelers take on red-hot ChargersBy Scouts, Inc. Why To Watch Despite flying cross-country, the Steelers should be fresh, healthy and ornery after 15 idle days following their crushing home loss to the Patriots. Thanks also to the bye week, Pittsburgh will gain more offensive re-enforcements. RB Jerome Bettis will see his first action of the season, and RB Duce Staley will be even healthier for his second game back from injury. However, after rushing for 327 yards in three games, expect former undrafted free agent Willie Parker to continue to carry the heaviest load against a Chargers' run defense that is surrendering just 91.5 yards per game. On the flip side, the Chargers will look to keep the ball rolling following a momentous road victory at New England. RB LaDainian Tomlinson will try his luck against a similarly stout Steelers' run defense, which is surrendering only 96.7 yards per contest. With so much beef up front for both of these defenses, this game likely will be decided by the quarterback -- Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers) or Drew Brees (Chargers) -- who makes the most plays and fewest mistakes. When the Steelers have the ball Rushing: This is the ultimate matchup of strength vs. strength. The Steelers have become more inclined to open things up in Roethlisberger's second season, but their offense still is very much a run-first unit. After three games the Steelers have run the ball 36 more times than they have thrown. It will be interesting, however, to see how patient offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt is able to remain even if the running attack fails to get untracked early on in San Diego. ParkerParker will remain the starter and likely will handle the majority of the carries for the Steelers. Staley saw limited action against the Patriots after being inactive in the team's first two games, but he should see his role increased after two weeks of practice. Bettis also is expected to make his debut Monday night, which means the Steelers will have great depth and versatility at the running back position for the first time all season. Look for the Steelers to use a lot of three-receiver sets with either two backs or one back and a tight end. The goal will be to spread the Chargers out and to force as many six- and seven-man fronts as possible. The Chargers' front three of NT Jamal Williams and DEs Igor Olshansky and Jacques Cesaire are doing a disciplined job of clogging gaps and taking up space in order to protect ILBs Donnie Edwards and Randal Godfrey. However, the interior of the Steelers' offensive line -- OC Jeff Hartings and OGs Alan Faneca and Kendall Simmons -- is one of the biggest and strongest run-blocking units the Chargers will face all season. If the Steelers can handle the Chargers' front line without being forced to double-team, they will find more success on the ground than most. Passing: Despite its two-game winning streak, San Diego has some flaws in its pass defense. For starters, the team has not established a consistent pass rush. It has 10 sacks in four games, but four of those came in the opener versus immobile Dallas QB Drew Bledsoe. RoethlisbergerWhen the Chargers need to get extra pressure, they are forced to blitz too many linebackers. As a result, opposing quarterbacks typically have options with their underneath receivers -- most often tight ends and running backs. Roethlisberger is improving in this area, and he should have the weapons as "hot reads" to beat the blitz. TEs Heath Miller and Jerame Tuman are athletic, reliable pass catchers who must find soft spots underneath when linebackers vacate zones on the blitz. Bettis has never been much of a receiving threat, but Parker and Staley can more than fill that void. If they can protect Roethlisberger, the Steelers actually match up better in this facet of the game than they do on the ground. WRs Cedrick Wilson and Antwaan Randle-El have done an outstanding job of picking up the slack for the departed Plaxico Burress. Roethlisberger also should find a mismatch with No. 1 WR Hines Ward working against talented but inconsistent DC Quentin Jammer. If the Steelers can establish any sort of consistent running attack early on in this game, Jammer and SS Terrence Keil will become more susceptible due to their tendency to take false steps forward when peeking into the backfield. Watch for that over-aggressiveness, as it should eventually open up some vertical opportunities for Roethlisberger to exploit with Ward on the perimeter and Miller down the seam. When the Chargers have the ball Rushing: The Chargers' offensive attack is so balanced that it is extremely difficult to defend. If a defense tries to "pinch" things inside to clog the middle, the Chargers will look to get Tomlinson the ball on the perimeter -- either as a runner or receiver. If the opponent tries to play good outside contain and funnel everything to the middle, Tomlinson can slice apart the interior behind his massive offensive line. TomlinsonAnd finally, if the opposing defense loads up against the run with eight defenders in the box, Brees has proven capable of making the right pre-snap read and has the pass-catching weapons TE Antonio Gates and WR Keenan McCardell to exploit the overload. What makes this matchup so intriguing is that the Steelers should not need to cheat in order to keep Tomlinson in check on the ground. The Steelers' run defense ranks sixth in the AFC and is getting the job done in large part because of the play of its front three. NT Casey Hampton is a massive wide-body who has returned healthy and is consistently requiring double-team attention on running downs. DEs Aaron Smith and Kimo von Oelhoffen also continue to play their two-gap technique with great discipline, which is allowing ILBs James Farrior and Larry Foote the room necessary to roam from sideline to sideline in run support. SS Troy Polamalu also has played a big role in the effectiveness of the Steelers' run defense, as he has the instincts, speed and tackling skills to quickly fill from the high spot in order to seal off any cutback running lanes. If the Steelers can keep Polamalu bottled up without being forced to consistently overload the box with cheating safeties, it will give them a huge advantage in this game. Passing: Brees' efficiency has played a critical role in the Chargers' two-game winning streak. Last week, for example, Brees missed on only five of his 24 passing attempts and did not throw an interception. The Chargers remain very much a balanced team that likes to set up the pass with the run. However, this may be a game where the Chargers look to spread things out more and use the passing attack as a means to loosening up the Steelers' run defense. BreesRegardless, Brees is doing an outstanding job of spreading the wealth in the air. Gates is clearly his favorite and most dynamic target with 18 receptions for 280 yards and one touchdown in just three games played. McCardell remains the go-to-guy on the perimeter, with 18 catches for 268 yards and five touchdowns. But Brees also is getting more help from WR Eric Parker, who has 14 receptions for 168 yards. Add Tomlinson to the mix as a receiver out of the backfield and it becomes very difficult to predict where the production in the passing game is going to come from. The Steelers could be susceptible against the pass, because they need to blitz a linebacker or two in order to get consistent pass rush pressure. OLBs Clark Haggans and Joey Porter (still less than 100 percent because of injury) are both better at getting upfield as pass rushers than they are turning and running in coverage. The Steelers also are forced to play a lot of cover 2 and cover 3 looks in their secondary, because DCs Ike Taylor and Deshea Townsend are not trustworthy if left on an island too frequently. As such, the middle of the field could be a great production area for Brees to work the ball to Gates, as well as the underneath flats to Tomlinson.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-10-2005, 05:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
BadCo Degenerate Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 371	Monday, October 10, 2005 Take 2: Steelers vs. ChargersBy Scouts, Inc. Tuesday, our scouts filed their advance advance scouting report on this week's matchup between the Steelers and Chargers. Now they're back with a second look. • The Steelers are closer to 100 percent at the running back position than they've been in more than a year. Willie Parker will remain the starter and will handle the majority of the carries, but his load will be reduced in order to keep him fresh later in the game. Jerome Bettis has completed five successful practices leading up to Monday night's game and will be available after missing the first three games due to a calf injury. Look for Bettis to handle some of the short-yardage and goal line carries. Duce Staley also is completely healthy and will get involved more as a third-down back. The Steelers will need help from all three backs as they look to establish a ground attack vs. the league's seventh-ranked run defense. For the second-consecutive season, the Chargers are doing an outstanding job of defending the run within their 3-4 scheme. NT Jamal Williams is disruptive in the middle and forces a lot of double-team attention. Jacques Cesaire continues to play with good discipline and consistency, but Igor Olshansky is a budding star. Olshansky has the size, quickness and power to give the right side of the Steelers' offensive line (OT Max Starks and OG Kendall Simmons) some trouble. Because Williams and Olshansky require so much attention, it becomes nearly impossible to get two clean bodies out on ILBs Donnie Edwards and Randal Godfrey. Edwards is capable of flowing from sideline to sideline when he doesn't have to deal with traffic, and Godfrey has the size, aggressiveness and instincts to shut down any gaps that open up between the tackles. • The Patriots got down early to the Chargers last week and were forced to abort their running attack for the most part. However, they did have some success with Corey Dillon early on, and there are some blueprints for the Steelers' offense to take out of that game. The Patriots used a lot of one-back, two-receiver, two-tight end sets and used some unique blocking schemes to prevent mismatches for their center. By allowing their center to release, the Patriots were able to get an extra blocker on the second-level to seal off one of the Chargers' inside linebackers. They would motion one of their tight ends in order to give him an angle as he attempted a down-block on NT Jamal Williams. Williams did not expect that and was caught off-guard as he tried to quickly pursue upfield. If the Steelers are going to establish a solid running attack in Monday night's game, they must also be creative in order to avoid mismatches between OC Jeff Hartings and Williams. If forced to double-team Williams on all running plays, ILBs Edwards and Godfrey will have the room they need to roam in order to keep Parker, Bettis and Staley under wraps. • The Chargers are experiencing a lot of success on offense when spreading things out with multiple-receiver looks. Instead of using four receivers, the Chargers are using three receivers and "flexing" TE Antonio Gates out into the slot. Because Gates and RB LaDainian Tomlinson are such weapons in the passing game, this formation puts a lot of pressure on the opposing defense. When the Chargers come out in those similar looks on Monday night, Steelers' defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will have to decide how to counter with personnel. If the Steelers get caught in "dime" personnel (six defensive backs), QB Drew Brees can simply call for a run at the line of scrimmage and trust that his offensive line can overpower the smaller defensive unit. Conversely, if LeBeau takes too many chances with "base" personnel, Brees should have some mismatches to exploit in the passing game. • The Steelers best bet will be to test out the one-on-one matchup of Gates vs. SS Troy Polamalu. Polamalu gives up five inches and 45 pounds in the matchup, but he is tough and fast enough to keep with Gates in certain situations. If Polamalu proves capable of holding up in man-coverage, it would allow the Steelers to play a lot of eight-man fronts with Polamalu cheated up near the line and FS Chris Hope playing a centerfielder's role as the "free" defender in "man-free" coverage. Special Teams There is not much that separates these two teams in regards to their respective special teams' units, particularly in the kicking game. Pittsburgh PK Jeff Reed has connected on six of his first seven field goal attempts this season, with his only failed attempt coming from beyond 50 yards, and PT Chris Gardocki is averaging an above-average 44.7 yards per attempt. Similarly, San Diego PK Nate Kaeding is off to a strong start, having hit on all five of his field goal attempts, and PT Mike Scrifes is averaging 44.2 yards per attempt. The Steelers have turned over most of the KOR duties to Ike Taylor and Ricardo Colclough, who are averaging a combined 23.3 yards per return. Antwaan Randle El continues to handle the punt return duties for the Steelers, and he is always a threat to take one the distance, but he's averaging just 5 yards on six attempts so far this season. The Steelers have the potential to be explosive in the return game, but the Chargers have been more productive in that facet so far this season, thanks largely in part to the boost that rookie Darren Sproles has given this unit. Sproles is handling the majority of the team's returns and is averaging 28.7 yards per KOR and 7.4 yards per PR. Matchups • Pittsburgh WR Hines Ward vs. San Diego DC Quentin Jammer • Pittsburgh OC Jeff Hartings vs. San Diego NT Jamal Williams • San Diego TE Antonio Gates vs. Pittsburgh SS Troy Polamalu • San Diego RB LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Pittsburgh ILBs James Farrior and Larry Foote • San Diego OC Nick Hardwick vs. Pittsburgh NT Casey Hampton Scouts' Edge Monday Night Football features two similar teams in the Chargers and Steelers. Neither possesses explosive perimeter play at the wide receiver or cornerback positions. However, few teams in the NFL are able to run the football, and defend the run, as well as the these teams do. In essence, this will be a matchup of strength vs. strength in what promises to be a physical, close-to-the-vest, low-scoring affair. While predicting outcomes is never as easy, simple deduction would point to a Chargers' victory on Monday night. After all, the Steelers lost at home to the same Patriots' team the Chargers dismantled in Foxborough, Mass., last week. The Steelers will have a chip on their shoulder after two weeks to stew over their loss to New England, and it may result in Pittsburgh drawing first blood. However, as the game progresses the Chargers' greater offensive versatility will surface. Tomlinson might not put up huge numbers as a ball carrier, but he will supplement that production as a receiver out of the backfield. When the Steelers become over-aggressive with their safeties in run support, Brees will strike to Gates for a back-breaking blow. Prediction: Chargers 24, Steelers 20

10-10-2005, 05:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
BadCo Degenerate Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 371	2. Pittsburgh Steelers at San Diego Chargers – Monday, 9 p.m. ET (ABC) Preview Steelers 2nd, AFC North Record: 2-1 at Chargers T-2nd, AFC West Record: 2-2 People who know football really weren't worried about the Chargers after their slow start. In both of their losses, they had leads in the fourth quarter and could've won. People might not be in a hurry to place San Diego among the NFL's elite, but when a team goes into New England and stops the Patriots' 21-game home winning streak, that is one serious football team. People in the know around the league understand that the Chargers' playoff run last year was not a fluke. Prediction: San Diego. The difference in this game will be Drew Brees, who is getting the ball to both Antonio Gates and Keenan McCardell. People forget that McCardell missed half the season last year while holding out in Tampa Bay, so we're starting to see McCardell's full ability as a receiver in San Diego. Combining him with Gates makes for a dangerous combination because defenses are so concerned about stopping the run. The last three weeks, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has gotten the green light to give the ball to LaDainian Tomlinson, who is the best player in the NFL. When you have receivers and a back who's the best in the league, you'll have a lot of one-on-one coverage. Pittsburgh will not win that battle.