CHARGERS: Report card

By SCOTT BAIR - Staff Writer | Sunday, January 11, 2009 7:32 PM PST ∞

Quarterbacks: B-minus

Philip Rivers had over 300 yards and completed 60 percent of his passes under tremendous pressure, but he wasn't able to move the ball effectively enough when it was still a game. He gave away great field position and compounded the defense's third-quarter woes with an untimely interception. That pass, which was deflected and then intercepted, outweighed several positives. Quarterbacks are ultimately judged on wins and losses, and Rivers' team fell short.

Running backs: C

Darren Sproles never got going against the vaunted Steelers defensive front. He couldn't wiggle free between the tackles and was heavily pursued outside of them. The Chargers really could have used a healthy L.T. No running back could've helped in the second half, when the Chargers had one offensive play in the third quarter and were playing catch-up in the fourth

Receivers: B-plus

Vincent Jackson was a deep threat, Antonio Gates and Chris Chambers were solid possession receivers and Sproles made a few big plays out of the backfield. Drops weren't an issue for this group, which shouldered the task of trying to facilitate a comeback.

Offensive line: C-minus

Rivers was sacked four times and was under heavy pressure most of the game. The running game was stuck in neutral during the first half and the line was unable to give Sproles the lanes necessary to create havoc.

Defensive line: D

The Chargers' defensive front got pounded by Pittsburgh's power running game. Steelers running back Willie Parker faced little resistance early, grinding out yards at a productive clip. There was little pass rush from this group, even against Pittsburgh's suspect offensive front. The line should be commended for a second-half goal line stand that prevented a touchdown, but it doesn't make up for other ills.

Linebackers: C-plus

There wasn't enough pressure from the outside linebackers, who had to help deal with the Steelers' rushing attack once it got going. The inside linebackers were making the right defensive calls, but they weren't making key plays when they had to and they weren't stopping Parker until he was at least 4 yards downfield.

Secondary: C-minus

The defensive backs generally seemed to be a step slow in breaking up passes and making key tackles. There were two specific mistakes that truly cost the Chargers: A key pass interference call in the end zone on Eric Weddle and a 41-yard strike from Ben Roethlisberger to Hines Ward near the end of the first half gave Pittsburgh a pair of easy touchdowns.

Special teams: C-minus

A 67-yard punt return for a touchdown by Santonio Holmes in the first quarter ended a run of excellent special teams play from previous games. Mike Scifres was less-than-sterling while filling in for Nate Kaeding on kickoffs. When Kaeding took over in the second half, it was clear his injured groin affected his efforts. A punt hit Weddle in the head and Pittsburgh recovered, which kept the offense on the sideline. Sproles had a few quality returns, but that was the extent of the special teams' positive play.

Coaching: C

Head coach Norv Turner couldn't find a way to run the football against the Steelers and defensive coordinator Ron Rivera had trouble stopping it. That, coupled with a few costly mistakes, cost the Chargers a chance to host the AFC Championship Game.

---- Scott Bair