Two-a-Days: Previewing the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Diego Chargers

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

To help pass the time between now and the start of the 2011 NFL season I am going to take a look at two teams a day. I will give you the impact players on offense and defense, a breakout player, and a the biggest training camp question.

Offense
QB - Ben Roethlisberger
RB - Rashard Mendenhall
WR - Hines Ward
WR - Mike Wallace
TE - Heath Miller

Defense
DT - Casey Hampton
DE - Aaron Smith
ILB - James Farrior
OLB - James Harrison
S - Troy Polomalu

Breakout: Jerricho Cotchery - There's a new face in town and he fits perfectly into the way Steelers do things. A very similar receiver to Hines Ward and six years younger, the former Jet has a chance thrive in a role Ward did for years. It may not be a pro-bowl year for Jerricho, but he will take a step in the right direction, regaining some a value he had in New York in first few years in the league as tough, smart, unselfish wideout.

Biggest Training Camp Question: I think the Steelers are enjoying camp this season because it is the quietest it has been in years. No Roethlisberger stories, James Harrison has not concussed anyone yet and all they are doing in focusing on football for the time being. If the Steelers can put all of their attention on the field it could be a exciting and drama free season in the Steel City.

Last year's record: 12-4

Projected finish: 11-5 (1st in AFC North)

Offense
QB - Phillip Rivers
RB - Ryan Mathews
RB - Mike Tolbert
TE - Antonio Gates
WR - Vincent Jackson

Defense
DE - Luis Castillo
ILB - Takeo Spikes (acquired in free agency)
OLB - Shaun Phillips
CB - Quentin Jammer
S - Eric Weddle

Breakout: Phillip Rivers - Maybe it's because he is residing out West or maybe it's America's obsession with Super Bowl winning quarterbacks, and rightfully so, but Rivers needs to be named when you rattle off Brady, Brees, Manning and Rodgers. He's in the group and with Vincent Jackson in camp and the most weapons he ever had this could be an MVP year for the former NC Stater.

Biggest Training Camp Question: One loss in a AFC Championship game and three losses in the divisional round has defined Norv Turner as a coach. He's done wonders with guys like Troy Aikman as an offensive coordinator, but has yet to leave his mark on a Lombardi trophies. With some great talent assembled, San Diego still wonders if Norv can finally win the big one.

Last year's record: 9-7

Projected finish: 11-5 (1st in AFC West)

** Check back tomorrow for a look at the Seahawks and 49ers