Game Preview
San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers
sunday, november 16, 2008 - 4:15 pm
*Steelers look to regain winning formula at home*
San Diego (4-5) at Pittsburgh (6-3), 4:15 pm EST
PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- Heinz Field is one of the most intimidating venues in the NFL, yet the Pittsburgh Steelers are developing an alarming trend - an inability to close out games in the fourth quarter.
The Steelers look to snap a two-game losing streak at home on Sunday when they host the San Diego Chargers.
This is the second of three straight home contests for the Steelers (6-3), who host the Cincinnati Bengals on November 20.
Pittsburgh's fourth-quarter problems began in a 21-14 loss to the New York Giants on October 26, when it squandered a 14-9 lead.
They continued last week with Peyton Manning rallying the Indianapolis Colts to a 24-20 victory over the Steelers. The defeat dropped Pittsburgh into a first-place tie with the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North.
Ben Roethlisberger threw two critical interceptions - he also was picked off on the final play of game - that led to 14 points for the Colts.
"If this was an individual sport and I lost a game I wouldn't feel so bad, letting the guys down, letting your teammates down," Roethlisberger said. It hurts because you never hear me say I anything, but I lost this game and it hurts."
Roethlisberger's health still may be a concern. He played with a sore shoulder that he injured in Pittsburgh's 23-6 win over the Washington Redskins on November 9. However, he insists the shoulder is not a factor.
"I don't think it's that big of an issue," he said. "I'm taking mental notes and I'm seeing everything that is going on so it's not as tough as it may seem. I'm not executing, and I'm not doing it well."
Running back Willie Parker sat out last week for the fifth time in six games with knee and shoulder injuries, but should be ready to go this week.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that Parker will play despite a shoulder subluxation. The two-time Pro Bowler is being fitted for a harness.
"We weren't able to let (Parker) go last week, but it's our intention to let him go and practice this week and play for us this weekend," Tomlin said.
His return should help out a running game that has totaled just 214 yards over the past three games.
Mewelde Moore, who rushed for 303 yards during a three-game stretch when Parker was out earlier in the season, managed just 57 yards on 24 carries against the Colts.
Coming off their bye, the Chargers were wobbly last week, but held on to beat the Kansas City Chiefs, 20-19.
San Diego (4-5) allowed a touchdown in the final minute following a interference call, but escaped with the win when Chiefs coach Herman Edwards elected to go for a two-point conversion - and failed.
It was the first game for the Chargers under new defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, who was promoted from inside linebackers coach. Ted Cottrell was fired after San Diego's 37-32 loss to New Orleans in London in Week Eight.