Townsend the latest victim for Steelers

By Neal Coolong  |   Wednesday, November 12, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Pittsburgh Steelers
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The last thing the Pittsburgh Steelers want going into a Week 11 matchup with the San Diego Chargers is a beat-up pass defense.

As it is, the Steelers confirmed they will be without starting cornerback Deshea Townsend, who has a "severely injured hamstring," meaning second-year man William Gay will get his first professional start against the AFC's top-rated passer, Phillip Rivers. The Steelers signed veteran CB Fernando Bryant to compete with Gay.

Townsend was replacing CB Bryant McFadden in the starting lineup. McFadden broke his forearm against Cincinnati in Week 7, and will be out another two weeks.

Commentary: This certainly isn't unfamiliar territory for the Steelers. Injuries have been the biggest story surrounding the team in 2008. The issue this week is the matchup problem it creates. San Diego is usually known for LaDainian Tomlinson and power running, but Rivers has carried the team so far this season. Tomlinson is averaging under 4.0 yards a carry (3.8), but Rivers has an eye-popping 106 passer rating and has thrown for 21 touchdowns.

It's not a bad bet to suggest the Chargers will go after Gay on any down and over any distance.

The good news for the Steelers is that they will get outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley back for Sunday's game. He missed the team's 24-20 loss to the Colts in Week 10 with a calf injury. A bolstered pass rush would bring huge dividends, considering their depleted secondary. But the plagued Steelers have lost two of their last three games, and the Baltimore Ravens have since closed their two-game lead in the AFC North. Injuries aside, the Steelers cannot afford another conference loss.

Fan Pulse: Fans are discussing the Chargers game on Steelers Fever, still hurting somewhat after the loss in Week 10.

Fantasy Football Impact: The loss of another starting cornerback will hurt the Steelers' defense in scheme as much as production. This will force free safety Ryan Clark to stay deeper and provide help over the top. The Chargers may try to get Tomlinson 25 carries against the league's second-ranked defense.

Injury Watch: Townsend is out, while Woodley will return. Tight end Heath Miller has been ruled out for his second straight game. Along with that, running back Willie Parker may play in Week 11, and left tackle Marvel Smith could return after missing the past four games. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger may or may not start, depending on the amount of practice he gets during the week.
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About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one ...
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