It’s Time For Playoff Football in San Diego

Credit to: AP Photo/Joe Mahoney

For the first time since 2010, the San Diego Chargers will be playing playoff football.  After the Dolphins and Ravens stumbled in the final two weeks of the season, the Chargers took the final spot in the AFC playoff bracket and will face the Bengals on Sunday in Cincinnati.  The matchup is a rematch from the Week 13 game at Qualcomm Stadium, which the Bengals won 17-10.  The loss was the Chargers’ final loss of the season, as the team went on to win its final four games.

Sunday’s game will send the Chargers to the unfriendly confines of Paul Brown Stadium where the Bengals have been undefeated this season.  The Bengals defense will lead the charge against Philip Rivers and the methodical Chargers offense.  In the Week 13 matchup, Rivers and the San Diego receiving corps was largely held in check.  Keenan Allen had the only good day with 106 yards on eight catches.  It will be important for Rivers and the passing attack to be complimented by an effective rushing attack.  Mathews and Woodhead have been vital to helping the Chargers maintain drives and possession during their current winning streak.  Both running backs will need to be at their best on Sunday to keep the Bengals offense from getting the crowd into it by putting points on the board.   If the Bengals prevail on Sunday, it will be their first postseason win since 1990 and if the Chargers win, it will be the team’s first playoff victory since 2008.  Despite the potential for difficult playing conditions, the game should prove to be an exciting matchup between one of the top offenses and defenses in the league.  It’s time for the Chargers and their fans to Bolt Up for playoff football.