OK..I haven't posted in a while

So to catch up - here goes:

1.  Right on the Steelers beating Baltimore...but way off in how it would play out.  10-4.

2.  Right on the loss to the Titans.  11-4.

3.  Right on the victory against the hapless Browns.  12-4.

A few people thought I was crazy to pick the Steelers going 11-5 this year with the tough schedule, but that was even conservative.  A 12-4 season HAS to be considered an huge accomplishment for the Tomlin and the Steelers.

Looking to the Chargers:

If the Steelers offense can get going, and I said "IF", then this should be a 10 point victory.  If not, then look for a 2-6 point game.

Steelers on Offense

1.  The I-formation.  Willie likes it.  I like it.  They HAVE to get the running game going.  The Steelers need to run for 90+ yards to make SD respect the line of scrimmage.  They will double team Williams on the inside with Hartwig/Colon or Hartwig/Stapleton.  This is why a FB in the hole is most valuable.  He can pick up someone in the gap and turn a 0 yard run into a 3 yd gain.  Gotta run with a FB 75% of the run plays.

2.  The Chargers secondary has struggled this year and is at the bottom of the league in pass yardage.  I do not think they can stop Ward/Holmes/Miller/Washington consistently.  Pass pro is key, and hopefully the RB's are successful in blitz pickup.  Give Ben 3 seconds, and they will be fine.

3.  Close out.  Score TDs instead of FGs.  Russell is an asset on the goal line, and I expect to see him used there instead of Parker and Moore.

Steelers on Defense

1.  Pressure Rivers.  Kind of obvious...but Woodley needs to establish pressure early to take some attention from Harrison.  Timmons could be key in 3rd down pass rush scenarios.  The coverage units will play as big a role in sacks as the pass rushers.

2.  Beat up Sproles.  He HAS to be tired and sore from last week.  Adrenaline will kick in in the opening of the game, but by the 2nd quarter that will be gone.  The defense needs to hit him hard.  Sproles has a stout heart and is elusive, so it will not be easy.  They also need to funnel Sproles to the middle of the field.  The Steelers cannot afford to have him take the edge.

3.  No big draws or screens.  The Steelers have been burned by some big draws and screens.  They need to pursue properly and take the right angles.

AFC Playoff Prognostication:

Steelers vs. Chargers:  17-10 Steelers

Titans vs Ravens:  23-20 Titans in OT