The Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2) have now lost two straight games and will not have an easy opponent when they host the San Diego Chargers (2-1) this week.  The two straight losses for the Steelers both came on the road, so hopefully for Steelers fans Heinz Field will put a spark into the defending champs.  The Chargers have a strong passing attack behind Phillip Rivers, but their running game has struggled so far this year with LaDainian Tomlinson battling injuries and Darron Sproles only averaging 2.4 yards per carry.  The Steelers’ running game is nothing to brag about either though, as they are only averaging 81 rushing yards per game.

This could be the game the Steelers running game breaks out though, as the Chargers are giving up 142 rushing yards per game.  Even though Willie Parker is most likely out with turf toe, Rashard Mendenhall could finally have a good game for the Steelers this year.  He has not gotten much of chance so far, as he has only seven carries this season for 45 yards (6.4 avg).  The Chargers have a good secondary though, so the Steelers need to make sure Mendenhall can get going on the ground.  Someone besides Ben Roethlisberger should get a red zone rushing touchdown, as Big Ben now has two in the past two games.

Big Ben has a very good completion percentage so far this season (72%) but he has only thrown three touchdowns in three games.  He has more interceptions (four) than touchdowns and has made some poor decisions at times.  Roethlisberger needs a good running game or he struggles.  Without a strong running attack leading the way, Roethlisberger is a mediocre quarterback and that has shown so far this season.  A strong running game and good defense is how the Steelers were successful last year and they need to try and bring that back.

With the Chargers weak run-defense I think the Steelers will be able to get back to their successful style of play.  LaDainian Tomlinson is back from injury and says he is 100%, but I don’t think he is full strength.  The Steelers should not have too much of a problem containing LT and Sproles, but Philip Rivers’ arm can make some big plays.  The Steelers need to contain the Chargers passing game.  This will be a good, hard fought football game and I think the Steelers will be able to win it late.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Steelers 28, Chargers 24