The Pittsburgh Steelers got off to another slow start against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday night, but rebounded to control the second half and beat the Chargers 35-24. The Steelers running game finally got on track, with running back Willie Parker rushing for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Both the Steelers offense and defense did just enough to attain a 14-10 halftime lead, but the offense opened up the second half with a 13 play drive ending in a Ben Roethlisberger to tight end Heath Miller 7 yard touchdown pass.
The Chargers opened up the game with a 4 play drive ending in a 41 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Philip Rivers to wide receiver Vincent Jackson. The Steelers answered with a Santonio Holmes 67 yard punt return for a touchdown. After a Nate Kaeding 42 yard field goal with 2 minutes left in the half, the Steelers answered with a 7 play, 66 yard drive culminating with a the first of two Parker touchdown runs.
The Steelers dominated the second half, with the Chargers only getting to run one play in the third quarter which resulted in an interception by linebacker Larry Foote. The Steelers tacked on two more scores on offense in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Roethlisberger ended with 181 yards passing on 17 attempts and wide receiver Hines Ward led the Steelers with 70 yards on 4 catches.
The Steelers next move on to host the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday evening. Kickoff time is 6:30 P.M. eastern. The Steelers have beaten the Ravens twice this year and look to make it three in a row to move on to the franchise\’s seventh Super Bowl appearance.
