Steelers kicker Jeff Reed kicked a field goal with 15 seconds to go to give the Steeelers an 11-10 lead and to give the Steelers an 11-10 win versus the San Diego Chargers. The Steelers overcame 13 penalties for 115 yards and did not score an offensive touchdown all day. Starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger recovered from a poor performance last week to throw for 308 yards on 31 completions, but more importantly zero interceptions. Starting running back Willie Parker provided a needed spark to the running game, rushing for 115 yards on 25 carries. Wide receiver Hines Ward hauled in 11 receptions for 124 yards and tight end Matt Spaeth had several key catches filling in for the injured Heath Miller. Backup running back Gary Russell had two huge short yardage carries in the second half as well. The Steelers defense once again kept the team in the game, intercepting Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers twice and holding the Chargers to only 213 total yards of offense. The defense was responsible for a safety earlier in the game. Safety Troy Polamalu appeared to score a defensive touchdown on a botched hook and ladder play by the Chargers with time running out, but the play was reviewed and deemed a dead ball on an illegal forward pass on the games final play. The win moves the Steelers to 7-3 and sole possession of first place in the AFC North with the Baltimore Ravens loss today. The Steelers now have a short week to prepare for the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night.
