A couple things need to happen for the Steelers to beat San Diego tomorrow:
1. The defense needs to make sure they cover the gaps; and
2. The offense needs to score a TD in the red zone.
When they played the first time back in November, Ben was 31 of 41 passes for 308 yards and Willie Parker rushed 25 times for 115 yards. But they couldn’t score a touchdown! The only one that was scored (by Parker) was overturned by a penalty on the offense. So, thankfully we had Jeff Reid’s 3 field goals and James Harrison’s sack on Rivers for a safety. Otherwise, that would have been a whole lot of offense wasted.
Win in the Red Zone.
The defense has to stay on top of the Chargers 5’6″ Sproles. His size makes him hard to see over the linebackers. And Ryan Clark had it right when he said “He is elusive and he is strong.” The defense will need to shut down San Diego’s run game. Sproles is a short and powerful back who will get through any gaps that are left open.
This game can be won. The Steelers should not take it lightly.
They need to do their jobs and come out serious tomorrow.
On another note, congratulations to Harrison and Polamalu for making the 2008 NFL All-Pro Team. It’s Harrison’s first time and Polamalu’s second.
And let’s hope that Hines Ward gets some touches tomorrow – he needs just 104 receiving yards to become only the 8th receiver in post-season history to have 1,000 receiving yards. And he needs two TD’s to be only the 6th WR to have 10 or more TD receptions. Go Hines!
