Monday, January 12, 2009
By Robert Dvorchak, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/
Peter Diana/Post-Gazette
Larry Foote stops the Chargers' Darren Sproles for no gain
The road to the Super Bowl runs through Pittsburgh again. And it will involve another collision with the archrival Ravens.
The Steelers did their part to have the AFC championship game played at Heinz Field by defeating the San Diego Chargers, 35-24, yesterday, setting up the showdown with the Ravens at 6:30 p.m. Sunday for the right to play for the Vince Lombardi trophy in Tampa.
"What else would you expect? Us and the Ravens. It would be a big game if it was a scrimmage. It just happens to be the AFC championship game," said coach Mike Tomlin, who won his first playoff game.
The game will be here because the Ravens, who got into the playoffs as a wild card, defeated the top-seeded Tennessee Titans on Saturday. The Steelers defeated the Ravens twice during the regular season, winning in overtime at home Sept. 29 and pulling out a victory in Baltimore Dec. 14 on a touchdown decided by instant replay.
"We're excited. We got a tough, tough, tough game coming in. They know us. We know them. It's going to be a big challenge. But we're one step away. We're happy to be at home," said defensive end Brett Keisel. "Both teams know what's at stake. Both teams like to run the ball and play tough, hard-nosed defense. It's going to be a very physical game."
This will be the third AFC title game in the eight-year history of Heinz Field, which hasn't had the desired home field advantage for the Steelers. In two previous title games, following the 2001 and 2004 seasons, the Steelers were eliminated by the New England Patriots.
The Steelers advanced to the AFC title despite spotting the Chargers an early lead and despite a couple of curious coaching calls -- both on fourth down -- that are sure to be fodder for the second-guessers all week. On one, the Steelers ran a trick play from punt formation but failed to pick up a first down. The Steelers also failed on a fourth and goal in the third quarter.
PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 11: Heath Miller #83 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes an 11-yard reception in the first quarter against Antonio Cromartie #31 of the San Diego Chargers during their AFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 11, 2009 at Heinz Field. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)San Diego needed just four plays to knife through the NFL's top defense to open the game, but that defense also did something that no other team in franchise history had ever done. The Steelers held the Chargers to 15 yards rushing, two yards fewer than the Steel Curtain allowed the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IX.
Santonio Holmes jump-started the Steelers with a 67-yard punt return for a touchdown, which stands as a franchise record for the post-season. His most substantial contact was with a photographer positioned on the edge of the end zone.
Willie Parker scored two touchdowns and rushed for 146 yards, the most rushing yards in the playoffs since Franco Harris had 153 yards against the Baltimore Colts on Dec. 27, 1975 -- the playoff game that marked the debut of The Terrible Towel.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger completed 17 of 26 passes for 181 yards and one touchdown, an eight-yard strike to tight end Heath Miller on the opening drive of the third quarter.
In that third quarter, the Steelers were so dominant that the Chargers had the ball for only 17 seconds and one offensive play, which resulted in an interception by Larry Foote. Things were going so badly for the Chargers that a punt bounced off the head of Eric Weddle and was recovered by the Steelers. They also lost both of their replay challenges.
"This was one of those games where you win or you go home. I definitely didn't want to go home right now," said linebacker LaMarr Woodley.
Chargers coach Norv Turner was suitably impressed.
"I can't say enough about the Steelers," he said. "Pittsburgh gives you a lot of problems. Baltimore and Pittsburgh are probably the two best defenses in the league."
PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 11: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers gestures a fist pump towards the fans after their 35-24 win against the San Diego Chargers during their AFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 11, 2009 at Heinz Field. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)With owner Dan Rooney making the rounds to offer congratulations, the Steelers basked in the moment. But they all know there's one big test remaining if they are to play in the Super Bowl.
"There's a big, black, ugly bird standing between us and Tampa," said offensive tackle Max Starks. "It's the only obstacle in our way before we can go."
Robert Dvorchak can be reached at bdvorchak@post-gazette.com.
First published on January 12, 2009 at 12:00 am
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