The 2009 NFL Playoffs - AFC Divisional Weekend in HDTV on CBS
San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Live from Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
CBS HD 1080i & DD5.1
4:45 PM ET
San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Live from Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
CBS HD 1080i & DD5.1
4:45 PM ET
Quote:
From foxsports.com
By John Czarnecki
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Even though LaDainian Tomlinson won't be playing, the Chargers have a shot because the franchise is 2-0 at Pittsburgh in the playoffs. Oddly, the Chargers are 0-13 here in the regular season.
The Steelers haven't allowed a run longer than 23 yards this season, but you can bet they will have their hands full with 5-foot-6 Darren Sproles, who had 328 yards of total offense last Saturday against the Colts. And don't forget that his backup, Michael Bennett, has big-play speed.
The Chargers must be able to run in order to keep Pittsburgh's pass rush (AFC-leading 51 sacks) and James Harrison, the league's defensive player of the year, off QB Philip Rivers. The Steelers' offense racked up 410 total yards in the first meeting, but never reached the end zone. Pittsburgh's points came on a safety and three Jeff Reed field goals. "Our red-zone efficiency has to improve," said QB Ben Roethlisberger, who has shown no ill effects in practice after suffering a concussion against the Browns in the last game of the regular season.
Look for the Steelers to use some no-huddle it worked well against the Chargers last time. San Diego must be concerned, too, with a healthy Willie Parker. Parker had 115 yards in the last game of the regular season and says he feels as good as he has all year. He sprained a knee ligament in the third game of the season and later suffered a dislocated shoulder.
Big Ben must keep San Diego's defense honest. It has played well down the stretch under new coordinator Ron Rivera. The Chargers are applying more pressure under Rivera, and poor protection has led to a steady diet of big hits for Roethlisberger. The Steelers have no major injuries, while San Diego TE Antonio Gates will start again on a bad ankle. The Colts were able to shut down WR Vincent Jackson, but the Chargers like their matchups against CB Ike Taylor.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9...-playoff-games
