Pittsburgh Steelers vs San Diego Chargers: Big Ben’s return to be difference for hosts – NFL Preview
Odds are in favour of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the game versus the visitors San Diego Chargers this Sunday (Dec.09) for a number of reasons, the return of their offence leader quarterback Ben Roethlisberger being the most notable amongst all.
Overall, the Steelers are ahead of the Chargers who are 4-8 in the National Football League’s standings overall. The Steelers are 7-5 in American Football Conference (AFC) North division.
An important development for the Steelers is that they have just pulled off a close-margin win over their traditional arch rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, without Ben in the side. So their confidence is very high coming into the Chargers game.
This has helped them consolidate their lead in AFC North, while the defeat has held back the Ravens from jumping into the playoffs and there is a fair chance that the Steelers can make up for the couple of points with two successive victories, although they
have to closely watch situation of the Cincinnati Bengals on the points table.
The Bengals are their closest rivals vying the playoff opportunity and the Steelers must do consistently well to stay atop for the wild card opportunity at least, if they are unable to be through to the playoffs straight.
Back to Ben’s situation, he is back on the starting line after spending three consecutive weeks on the sideline with rib and sprained shoulder injuries. Coach Mike Tomlin has already broken the news of the QB’s participation for the next game; all the teammates
are excited to have their leader back.
Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders said:
"He's still getting back into his rhythm. We're very optimistic about the direction he's going to go."
With Ben back as starter and veteran Charlie Batch at the backup position, the Steelers expect a much-needed boost to the offensive line, which has traditionally been hallmark of their winning strategies.
They have been doing well after a slow start in the beginning of the season but sudden injury to Big Ben and QB Byron Leftwich faltered their progress. After a pair of losses they again pulled off a timely victory over the Ravens to remain intact on the
course to the playoffs.
Another plus for the Steelers is that their home record is better than the Chargers’ road record. The Chargers have lost four and won two road ties, while the Steelers have won their four out five home games. This should come to their advantage.
A win nevertheless is important for the Steelers if they want to keep their playoff opportunity wide open. At the moment they have an outright chance to progress through to the second round.
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