NFL Breakdown - Steelers Offense vs Chargers Defense

Once a deadly combo, will Ben and Plax
Recreate their past success?

The Steelers offense has been inconsistent at best in Ben Roethlisberger's absence.  I have had to wait till the latter parts of the week for the last 3 weeks to write the Steelers Offensive breakdown of the last 3 opponents.  Questions like "Is Plaxico going to play, and how much?" or "Will Charlie Batch get the job done?" or now "Is Big Ben going to suit up and play?" have made me wait and see what the offense is going to look like.  For the first time in a long time the Steelers are going to have close to a full arsenal against a Chargers defense that isn't as bad as people think.  Lets break it down in the top 5 story lines:

- Protect the Big Guy - The Chargers aren't a team that is dominating in the sack category.  As a team, the Chargers have totalled 23 sacks this 2012 campaign.  Not really lighting it up in that area, but the Steelers have been known to let opponents get to the QB when they typically aren't able to.  The Steelers offensive line continues to be a jumbled mess considering the injuries.  Good news on that front is that Willie Colon is supposed to be healthy enough to play which would make their OLine look like this (from left to right): Max Starks, Willie Colon, Maurkice Pouncey, Ramon Foster, and Kelvin Beachum.  Besides Beachum, that is the OLine the Steelers started the season with.  That continuity (assuming all parts play) will be needed to keep Big Ben clean.  If Roethlisberger doesn't have a set back the next few days, he will start and the Steelers need the man healthy down the stretch.  KEEPING him healthy will be key to this Superbowl run.

- Don't Turn Over The Rock (For Once) - The Steelers have been bitten by more than the injury bug this season.  The turnover bug seems to have implanted itself like a tick into the Steelers organization.  The Steelers are favored to win this game by 7, and if that is going to happen they CANNOT turn the football over.  If they are able to eliminate the dumb turnover (Emmanuel Sanders dropping the ball without anyone around him) then it will only make it more difficult on the Chargers to win this football game.  In the last 3 games the Steelers could have, should have, and would have won if they hadn't turned the ball over.  In Cleveland if they only turn the ball over 6 times instead of 8, they win the game.  The past is the past, and hopefully the Steelers are able to put this turnover bug behind them as well...

- Re-Establish The Balance - Back when the Steelers went on their 4 game winning streak starting in Cincinnati, they were dominant on offense for one main reason...they were BALANCED.  They weren't just slinging the ball around like they were at the beginning of the season.  Their running game appeared at the right time.  Since Big Ben has been out the opposing defenses are loading the box and daring the Steelers to beat them with the pass.  Ask the Ravens how that worked out for them?  However, with Roethlisberger at QB there is a much greater need to protect against the pass than just load the box.  Hopefully Todd Haley gets back to the balanced attack, and the offensive line can open up some lanes for Jonathan "Baby Bus" Dwyer and Isaac "Redzone" Redman.  The biggest key for the Steelers is getting into 3rd and manageable situations.

- Get Plaxico In the Mix - Since Antonio Brown returned last week, Plaxico Burress didn't see the field for more than 3 plays vs the Ravens.  I'm not surprised, the Ravens game isn't the time to start experimenting.  Nonetheless, the Steelers acquired Plax and they need to see what he still has left in the tank.  He could be a niche WR in the redzone, and quality depth, but how will they know what he can do if he doesn't get a shot on the field?  I know I've had him in my story lines for a couple games now, but at what point are the Steelers going to start utilizing the big man in their offensive game plan?  If you recall when Burress left, and when he was a Free Agent coming out of jail, Big Ben lobbied hard for the Steelers to give him a look.  Roethlisberger and Burress have always had a great working relationship and look for that to continue with #7 back under center.  If Burress can't play, then the Steelers should part ways and release him so he isn't wasting a roster spot.  If he can play, get the ol' #80 in the mix!

- Be Dominant - The Steelers are going against a "middle of the road" defense in the San Diego Chargers.  The Chargers have a pretty solid run defense.  They are 6th in the NFL allowing only 95 yds/game.  Their pass defense is a little more suspect.  They rank 21st allowing over 240 yds/game.  Those numbers remind me of the home game against the Washington Redskins.  The Redskins were stopping the run well and giving up huge yardage through the air.  Pittsburgh dominated that game in both facets.  If the Steelers can take advantage of the Chargers weaknesses in pass defense, then they should be able to be dominant.  When was the last time the Steelers blew someone out?  I can't think of it either.  Its time for the Steelers to put their stamp on the AFC North, the AFC, and the NFL by showing with Ben back under center they are a true contender for the Lombardi trophy...regardless of their record.  Time to be dominant...