NFL Breakdown - Steelers Defense vs Chargers Offense

Don't Be Surprised If Troy Has
The Rock In His Hands Sunday...

With everyone still in the Steelers hangover mode (especially after defeating the Ravens), its time to start look at the Steelers' next opponent, the San Diego Chargers.  Unlike Mike Tomlin (who makes the Chargers sound like the best thing since sliced bread during his presser), I am going to give you the top 5 story lines heading into this matchup.  Today's matchup analysis is the Steelers Defense vs the Chargers Offense.  Lets break it down, shall we...

- Welcome to BLITZBURGH - The Chargers offensive line has been down right offensive, and it is only going to get worse with them having to place another OLineman on IR yesterday.  I'm not sure if they have enough warm bodies to even put 5 players on the line, but the Steelers can't worry about who is lining up next to them, but just worry about getting after the QB.  Philip Rivers has declined year after year since he had the Chargers one step away from the AFC Championship game a few years back before losing to the Jets.  Rivers has been under duress on almost every drop back, and this might be the perfect situation that the Steelers need to get them some QB pressures and sacks.  The Chargers have NEVER won in Pittsburgh during the regular season, and if the Steelers can apply pressure with their front 7, there is a good chance that streak continues this Sunday.

- Time to Get on the PLUS Side of Turnovers - Speaking of QB pressures, that is the easiest way for the Steelers to start creating turnovers.  The Steelers currently stand at a -11 turnover ratio.  Sure, that number is also on the offensive WRs that can't seem to hold onto the football when running with it, but nonetheless, the defense needs to start taking the ball away again.  With the Chargers patchwork offensive line, look for James Harrison, Jason Worilds / Lamarr Woodley, Lawrence Timmons, and Larry Foote to be forcing Philip Rivers into some mistakes or potential "Sack / Fumbles".  With Troy Polamalu having a game under his belt without a setback you might see the Tazmanian Devil flying around like SteelerNation is used to wreaking havoc.

- Beware of Big Plays - Regardless of the offensive line, the injuries to their wideouts, or the lack of a true running threat, the Chargers are a team that thrive on the big play.  Whether its hitting their big man, Antonio Gates, or driving the ball downfield to Malcom Floyd, the Chargers live and die by the big play and taking the big shot.  Philip Rivers seems to be doing his best Brett Favre impersonation as he is trying to do too much with the team struggling, and that is leading to him turning the ball over at a ridiculous rate.  The Steelers have done a great job of limiting the big play all season, but without Ike Taylor the Steelers' secondary might be vulnerable.  The Steelers look to hold yet another QB to under 200 yds passing when Philip Rivers comes to the Big Ketchup Bottle on Sunday.

- Stick To What Has Been Working - There are times when Dick Lebeau and the Steelers defense gets a little antsy when they go against a team with such a glaring weakness as the Chargers do with their O-Line.  Regardless, if I am Mike Tomlin I am telling Lebeau to exploit the weakness without doing anything extra that might leave someone vulnerable down the field.  The Steelers haven't been sending those exotic blitzes that you are used to seeing.  Instead, they are playing sound, fundamental, basic defense that is extremely effective.  Don't stray too much from what has been working...remember, if it isn't broken, you dont' have to fix it.

- Don't Allow A Let Down - Coming off of a huge win like they had against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore there is some thinking that the Steelers could have a letdown game.  If Ben Roethlisberger is able to play, I doubt that there will be a letdown as his return will spark the ENTIRE team, but I think back to the New York Giants game.  A huge road win when NO ONE thought they could pull it off.  The next game was a MNF matchup with the Chiefs that saw Jamaal Charles run all over the Steelers and it took Overtime for the Black n' Gold to pull out the victory.  When facing a team like the Chargers who is 18th overall in passing yds per game (227) and 26th overall in rushing yds per game (95), the defense needs to dominate the game from the start to the finish.  Use the Ravens game as a catapult, and not a chance for a weaker team (like SD) to creep in and make a game out of this contest like the Chiefs did.  As the Mortal Combat game used to say "FINISH HIM"....