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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 11, 2009

KEY MATCHUP

Chargers' wide receivers

vs. Steelers' cornerbacks

Chargers Pro Bowl TE Antonio Gates can't do it alone against a defense as good as Pittsburgh's, especially when he's hobbled by a bad ankle. Somebody has to step up today and give QB Philip Rivers another viable target downfield, because the Steelers figure to load up against Gates, who burned Indy for eight receptions last week. San Diego RB Darren Sproles isn't going to rack up 328 all-purpose yards on a sloppy field against the NFL's premier defense, so the onus is on WRs Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers to find separation against Pittsburgh CBs Ike Taylor and Deshea Townsend. Jackson, arrested this week on suspicion of DUI, was invisible against the Colts but he enjoys a substantial height advantage on the 5-foot-10 Townsend. Chambers has averaged 84 yards in four career postseason games.

STEELERS WILL WIN IF

The Chargers will jam the line of scrimmage and take their chances against Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, who is 5-2 in the postseason but has been prone to the big pick this season. WR Hines Ward has a knack for elevating his game in January, and he needs 104 yards today to become the eighth player in league history with 1,000 receiving yards in the postseason. Ward is the catalyst for an attack that has been erratic.

CHARGERS WILL WIN IF

San Diego has a puncher's chance behind Philip Rivers, the league's top-rated passer. He has thrown 11 TD passes and two interceptions during a five-game winning streak, and the Chargers were leading at Pittsburgh in November until Jeff Reed's 32-yard FG in the final seconds. San Diego's defense and special teams will keep this game close in the Heinz Field freezer if the Chargers are careful with the ball and complete a few big plays.

KEY STAT

The Steelers led the league in first-down defense, with opponents averaging only 3.93 yards, compared to 5.59 by San Diego opponents. If the Chargers keep finding themselves in third-and-6 situations, QB Philip Rivers will face immense pressure from the complex zone blitz schemes of Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. Don't be surprised if San Diego throws often on first down in an effort to blunt a fierce pass rush and alter LeBeau's substitution patterns.

X-FACTOR

San Diego's Mike Scifres was one of the key performers on the NFL's opening playoff weekend, setting an NFL postseason mark by landing six punts inside the Colts' 20. Scifres should be a busy man today, because Pittsburgh's opponents average only 15 first downs per game. If Scifres can keep the Steelers pinned deep in their own territory, Pittsburgh will face a huge challenge sustaining drives against a defense that limited high-powered Indy to 17 points.

INJURY REPORT

CHARGERS: TE Antonio Gates is listed as questionable, but he is expected to play. RB LaDainian Tomlinson (groin) is doubtful, so it appears RB Darren Sproles will make his first NFL start in the backfield. K Nate Kaeding (groin) should be ready.

STEELERS: The week off helped the AFC North champs recover from the rigors of a 12-4 season. QB Ben Roethlisberger, who suffered a concussion two weeks ago against Cleveland, practiced all week and is expected to start his eighth postseason game.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Steelers have won all 13 of their regular-season home matchups against the Chargers, but San Diego boasts a 2-0 record at Pittsburgh in the playoffs.

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