2012 Two-a-Days: Pittsburgh Steelers and San Diego Chargers

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

To help pass the time between now and the start of the 2012 NFL season I am going to be giving a look to two teams a day. I will give you their impact players on offense and defense, a breakout, and the biggest question as they open training camp.

Offense
QB - Ben Roethlisberger
RB - Isaac Redman
TE - Heath Miller
WR - Mike Wallace
WR - Antonio Brown

Defense
OLB - LaMarr Woodley
OLB - James Harrison
S - Troy Polamalu
S - Ryan Clark
CB - Ike Taylor

Troy Polamalu SS

Breakout: Isaac Redman - Rashard Mendenhall has been a serviceable back for the both few years, but nothing special. The 27 year-old Redman out of Boise State may be getting his chance to carry the rock because of injury, but even after Mendenhall is healthy I do not expect Redman to relinquish his role. I can see Redman surpassing 1,000 yard mark on the ground this season.

Training Camp Question: A mixture of injuries and Father Time has turned the modern day Steel Curtain into an average looking defense. Fans cannot really tell how the defense is going to perform. Before the season starts they expect the offense might need to score some points this season to compete with the pass-happy NFL.

Last year's record: 12-4

Projected finish: 8-8 (Third in the AFC North)

Offense
QB - Philip Rivers
RB - Ryan Mathews
TE - Antontio Gates
WR - Robert Meachem (acquired in free agency)
WR - Malcom Floyd

Defense
DE - Corey Liuget
OLB - Shaun Phillips
MLB - Takeo Spikes
CB - Quentin Jammer
S - Eric Weddle

Antonio Gates TE

Breakout: Robert Meachem - After years of being one of the many weapons for Drew Brees with the Chargers, the former Tennessee standout has a chance to standout in San Diego. He will be given every chance to become Rivers main target and the tandem could take off in 2012.

Training Camp Question: A lot of the Chargers stock is in two valuable offensive weapons that just not been able to stay on the field on the last three years. Antonio Gates, a veteran, has dealt with foo injuries and Ryan Mathews, a youngster has missed nearly have of the Chargers' games since entering the league. A healthy season from those two could me the AFC goes through Southern California.

Last year's record: 8-8

Projected finish: 9-7 (Third in the AFC West)


**Check back tomorrow for the Seahawks and 49ers**