Chargers matchups
By: North County Times
CHARGERS MATCHUPS
OPPONENT: Pittsburgh Steelers
Chargers on offense
It'll be interesting to see how coach Marty Schottenheimer reacts to the unprecedented criticism he received last week for his conservative ways. Will he open it up, allowing QB Philip Rivers to test a pass defense that is ranked 20th in the league? Or will he keep it on the ground, relying on RBs LaDainian Tomlinson and Michael Turner? If the Chargers choose to fill the air ---- doubtful ---- Rivers' pass-protection must be keen against the Steelers' baffling 3-4 defense, with LBs Larry Foote (two), Clark Haggans (two) and Joey Porter (two) leading a unit with 10 sacks. Great pairing is C Nick Hardwick against two-time Pro Bowl NT Casey Hampton. Keep an eye on the middle as Hardwick's success will go a long way in determining the game's outcome. With the Chargers being so one-dimensional ---- where's TE Antonio Gates? ---- the edge goes to the 'burg.
EDGE: Steelers
Chargers on defense
The league's best is what this side of the ball claims, as the Chargers are the only team to keep rivals under 200 yards per game. The defense has been spectacular, but it's also yet to face an offense as diverse and effective as the Steelers'. QB Ben Roethlisberger has been very ordinary (five INTs, no TDs) ---- a trend, or do the odds favor him breaking out? Speedy RB Willie Parker has replaced Jerome Bettis and rushed for 100 yards in four of his last five regular-season games. The Chargers' improved secondary will have its hands full with Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward ---- an excellent downfield blocker, too ---- TE Heath Miller and Parker. LB Shawne Merriman will look to add to his team-high four sacks, but a balky Achilles' tendon could slow his motor.
EDGE: Chargers
Special teams
K Nate Kaeding is off to a good start, converting eight of nine field-goal attempts; but his miss from 40 yards last week is what he remembers. P Mike Scifres is hoping not to show off his shaky arm. If so, LS David Binn has to be true ---- it's not false he'll play in his 195th Chargers game tonight, tying him with Doug Wilkerson for the second-most in team history. PR Eric Parker is nursing a sore hamstring; the Steelers are nursing a No. 29 ranking defending the punt. The Steelers' return game has been pedestrian, but we're well aware of what K Jeff Reed can do. His 40-yard field goal with 6 seconds remaining last year pinned a home loss on the Chargers.
EDGE: Chargers
What to expect
The Steelers could care less that the Chargers squandered a road game last Sunday, figuring they have enough problems ---- a two-game losing streak ---- of their own. For two weeks the sour taste of a 1-2 record has ricocheted around the defending world champions' mouths, and they're eager to slug someone else's mug. But the Chargers are miffed, after that muffed game in B'more when Schottenheimer morphed into Barry Goldwater ---- kids, ask your parents. So which team is more desperate? With the Steelers' AFC North rival Ravens at 4-0 and the Bengals at 3-1, it's the wobbly Steelers who are well-rested after a restless bye week.
PICK: Steelers 20, Chargers 17
