***MNF IN THE SWAMP - PITT @ SD***
***PITTSBURGH STEELERS @ SAN DIEGO CHARGERS***
Backup Steelers QB MIchael VIck will try once again to get a victory for PIttsburgh in Big Ben's absence as they march into San Diego tonight on Prime Time Monday Night Football. I will start by saying I do not like their chances in this spot. PItt coulda'-woulda'-shoulda' got a win last week at home on Thursday Night Football against division rival the Baltimore Ravens and failed to put the nail in the coffin about four different times and the Black Birds ended up winning the game in OT. That was probably the only spot I was willing to back Michael Vick in due to the fact that they had the element of suprise on their side. Tonight they face a much tougher foe and on the road in a difficult enviornment, especially under the big lights. The Steelers may have all the weapons in the world at their disposal especially with WR Martavias Bryant available again after serving a suspension, but as we saw last week, if you cannot rely on your QB to distribute the ball...all that means nothing. They will most likely pound the rock with their stud RB LeVeon Bell as they should, but I like the Chargers defense tonight to really bring it and key on Bell which forces Vick to beat them with his arm and what is left of his legs (he's lost a step in his old age, a couple of them). The Bolts are not a bad defense although they haven't played well thus far. They have playmakers and with turnover prone Vick as their opponent tonight I like them to get a couple, whether it be safety Eric Weddle picking off a pass or LB Melvin Ingram off the edge with a strip/sack.
The Chargers offense has not played up to their potential yet and I believe they get it back on track tonight for all to see. The offensive line for San Diego has been banged up and guys have been shuffling around week to week. San Diego had a hard time last week and really got lucky to not drop a game to the Cleveland Browns in a nailbiter, but as we are seeing...the Browns aren't as bad as some may perceive. QB Philip Rivers is the man and with another week of practice behind the same unit I got to believe will feel more comfortable and have more time to sling it from the pocket tonight. However I do believe that the Chargers will try and run the ball more in this one with rookie RB Melvin Gordon possibly having a breakout type of game. Also, versatile Danny Woodhead is so reliable out of the backfield in the passing game and a huge threat that constantly seems to go unoticed, that kid is a pure playmaker and all heart. WR Stevie Johnson who seems to be one of Rivers favorite targets so far is out tonight but insert his longtime BFF TE Antonio Gates as another target who will also be back after serving a suspension, and it should fill the void. So what I am saying is, now that basically Rivers has his blankie back, I think he plays well tonight and the offense gets rolling on all cylinders. I do like how the PItt defense has been getting better week to week with all their young guys seeming to get comfortable, but tonight I Ilike the BOlts to win by 10+ points and make a statement to set the tempo as they head to Green Bay next week for a HUGE game. CHARGERS -4
