San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17). Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) at San Diego Chargers (2-2)
Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego – TV: ESPN
*TV announcers: Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters
*Keys to the game: Chargers QB Philip Rivers had six turnovers in the past three games but survived watching his offensive line turn into a virtual MASH unit. Now the Chargers get TE Antonio Gates, Rivers’ decade-long security blanket, back and the offense could shift gears. Part of the impact of Gates returning should be felt by RB Melvin Gordon, the team’s first-round pick. Gordon is yet to reach the end zone and his timing continues to be tested without a regular rapport with his blockers.
The Steelers ran a starter kit version of coordinator Todd Haley’s offense with Michael Vick in for Ben Roethlisberger (knee) last week and the main playmaker in the passing game, WR Antonio Brown, admits the new crew is still trying to get on the same page. One advantage the Steelers have is RB Le’Veon Bell as a proven workhorse. The Chargers are giving up almost five yards per carry, and Haley will likely lead with the power card before letting Vick try to loosen up his left arm with a few deep shots. He should be more confident standing tall against a weak pass rush from the Chargers.
*Matchup to watch – Chargers CB Patrick Robinson vs. Brown and WR Martavis Bryant: Bryant is back from a four-game suspension and Brown has produced at an all-time clip for the past 20 games. It’s awful timing for the Chargers, whose top two cornerbacks, Jason Verrett and Brandon Flowers, were hurt last week and didn’t practice Wednesday.
*Player spotlight – Chargers WR Keenan Allen: Allen might not see as many passes with Gates back in the lineup but against a team with no legitimate No. 1 cornerback, Allen benefits from deep coverage defenders flocking to Gates down the seam.
*Fast facts: Gates is one touchdown shy of 100 for his career. … Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is 9-2 on Monday Night Football.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Philip Rivers, the NFL’s leader in passing yards, keeps chucking it against a defense that hasn’t contained tight ends well in the past two seasons and falls short Monday in Chargers TE Antonio Gates’ return.
*Our pick: Chargers 27-20.
