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Based on the record book, the Chargers may be the perfect team for the Steelers to play to change their season around. The Steelers have won seven of their last eight games against the Chargers. But the Chargers (2-1) are playing well these season and the Steelers are not playing like Superbowl Champs.
The past two games have been rough on the Steelers. They lost both road games to the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengels in the last seconds of the games. Both the Bears and Bengel outscored the Steelers in the 4th quarter to wipe out a Steeler lead for the victory.
Hopefully the home field advantage against the Chargers will change the Steelers luck around and their season. If they want to win on Sunday night, the Steelers must work on areas that were lacking in their two consecutive losses; rushing offense, defensive pressure on the quarterback and create more turnovers.
The Steelers are known for their rushing offense. Not this year. They are 27th in the league.
They may have another tough game to improve their rushing yards against the Chargers. Star running back Willie Parker is still bothered by his turf toe. He did not practice this week and is doubtful for the game. If Parker plays at all, he will see limited action.
Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore will carry the ball mostly for the Steelers. Issac Redman was activated by the Steelers to help give the more depth to the running game.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Steelers must put some pressure on Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers. Steelers' safety Troy Polamalu will miss another game, his third, due to a knee injury.
Polamalu's absence has caused the Steelers' defense to be cautious about the blitz. This has resulted with linebackers LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison combining for just one sack for the Steelers.
The Steelers have not lost three consecutive games since 2006. They have also made the playoffs in six of the last eight seasons. Two of those six years resulted with the Steelers being the Superbowl Champions.
If they do not want to lose three in a row again and they want to make it back to the playoffs this season, they are going to have to play Steelers' football. This week's Sunday night football game of the Steelers vs Chargers is a critical one for the Steelers' season.
Written by Denise Clay
Hickory, NC
Exclusive to HULIQ
Posted October 4th, 2009 by Denise Clay
