Expert Interview
Every week I’ll have the opportunity to interview somebody who covers the Steelers opponent. This week, I was able to grab a few words from Ernie Padaon, contributor for FanSided’s Chargers site, Bolt Beat. Follow them on Twitter @BB_Chargers for more updates on the Los Angeles Chargers.
DD: The Chargers are quietly one of the best teams in the AFC, yet the national media refuse to give them the props they deserve. From a LA perspective, how does the team/fan base feel about this?
EP: It’s all good. Of course we hate that we don’t get attention, but we are totally fine to stay under the radar and then stand out when we get to the playoffs!
It’s crazy that we don’t get attention. Even NFL twitter page listed 3 other quarterbacks as the top performer from last week and kept Philip Rivers off the list. He only set a record for 25 straight completed passes and dominated the game.
People will start talking after this week.
DD: The loss of Melvin Gordon for this game is huge. How confident are you in Austin Ekeler to take over as lead back, and what schematical changes should we expect?
EP: Before Gordon started going off this year, some of our fans wanted Ekeler to split carries 50-50 and some even wanted him to start. I don’t think the game plan changes much with Ekeler still available. There would be less formations with 2 running backs in the game and the reverse will likely go to the speedster Travis Benjamin instead.
DD: Philip Rivers is part of the amazing 2004 QB draft class, along with Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger. How do you feel Rivers stacks up with the other two quarterbacks despite not having the team-oriented Super Bowls to his name?
EP: For me to compare, I would have to let you know which quarterback I would rather have on my team. I would never want Eli of the other 2 are available. Ben has the wins and the Super Bowl so he has to have the edge right now. Once Philip gets the ring then we can talk about him being better than Ben
DD: We’re all aware of the names on the Chargers, including the likes of Derwin James,
Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. What are some under the radar players that can have a big impact on this game?
EP: There are a lot of playmakers on the Chargers. Desmond King always makes big plays in big games. Jatavis Brown stepped in for our injured middle linebacker and has been playing exceptional the last few weeks. We hope he can keep it up and this week will be a big test.
DD: Where do you feel like the Chargers have their advantages or disadvantages?
EP: On offense, we can attack in any way and always find a big play. We live on the big play and Pittsburgh will have to find a way to limit them. We don’t have a ton of drives that control the clock because we have so many big play playmakers. Have to stop this offense early.
On defense, we will force turnovers. It’s expected every game. We tend to give up some drives, but will hold teams to a field goal a lot of the time. The run defense is questionable with our latest injuries.
DD: If the Chargers are able to do (blank), they will win this game.
EP: If the Chargers are able to get pressure on Big Ben, we will leave this game with a big win.